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Earlier today at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI issued a
powerful call for the world’s monotheistic religions to work
together--through dialogue and mutual respect--for the sake of the
common good of humanity.
The
Pope’s words came during a meeting with delegates from the American
Jewish Committee, with whom he urged increased efforts for “friendship
between the Jewish people and the Catholic Church."
The
Pope also recalled the recent 40th anniversary celebrations for the
Vatican Council II Declaration "Nostra Aetate," pointing out that it
"increased our shared desire to know each other better and to develop a
dialogue characterized by mutual respect and love."
"Jews
and Christian”, Benedict said, “have a rich common patrimony…In
many ways this distinguishes our relationship as unique among the
religions ofthe world. The Church can never forget that chosen people
with whom God entered into a holy covenant.”
He
stressed that "Judaism, Christianity and Islam believe in the one God,
Creator of heaven and earth. It follows, therefore, that all three
monotheistic religions are called to cooperate with one another for the
common good of humanity, serving the cause of justice and peace in the
world.”
“This”,
the Holy Father said, “is especially important today when particular
attention must be given to teaching respect for God, for religions and
their symbols, and for holy sites and places of worship."
Concluding
his brief address, Pope Benedict said that "religious leaders have a
responsibility to work for reconciliation through genuine dialogue and
acts of human solidarity.”
“I
pray”, he told the group, “that your visit today may confirm you in you
rendeavors to build bridges of understanding across all barriers."
