May 12, 2009 / 03:41 am
The Dome of the Rock, a sacred site for Muslims, Christians and Jews, was visited by Pope Benedict on Tuesday morning. During his visit the Pope emphasized that everyone must realize that they are “fundamentally interrelated,” and therefore must use reason and freedom to promote the love of God and neighbor.
Pope Benedict was welcomed to the Dome of the Rock, the place where tradition holds that Abraham planned to sacrifice his son Isaac, by the Grand Mufti, Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, together with the Director of the Jerusalem Islamic Foundations, Sheikh Mohammed Azzam al-Khatib al-Tamimi, and the Head of the Awquaf Council, Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab.
As he was led through the monument, the Pope walked without his shoes out of respect for Muslim custom. In a press conference following the visit, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said that the Holy Father was unable to see the rock that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son on because of ongoing construction.
The Holy Father began his speech by recalling that the Dome of the Rock “draws our hearts and minds to reflect upon the mystery of creation and the faith of Abraham. Here the paths of the world’s three great monotheistic religions meet, reminding us what they share in common. Each believes in One God, creator and ruler of all. Each recognizes Abraham as a forefather, a man of faith upon whom God bestowed a special blessing.”