THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES AND INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 29, 2000 (VIS) - The theme of the Pope's catechesis during his general audience, which was held this morning in St. Peter's Square, was: "Faith, hope and charity in the perspective of inter-religious dialogue."

"All the just of the earth," said the Holy Father, "give praise to God when, having followed the steep and exhausting road of earthly existence, they reach the goal of glory. ... Salvation is offered to all nations, as is shown by the alliance with Noah which offers testimony of the universal nature of the divine manifestation and of the human response in faith."

John Paul II indicated that "all humanity tends towards the authentic adoration of God and the fraternal communion of mankind." The sacred books of religions are open to hope; they outline "a goal of purification and of salvation, they promote the search for truth and defend the values of life, of saintliness and of justice, of peace and of freedom."

Inter-religious dialogue, he continued, "is made manifest in the common commitment of all believers to justice, solidarity and peace. ... When Christians engage in inter-religious dialogue, they bring with them their faith in Christ, only Saviour of the world. ... The path to the fullness of truth calls for attention and humility in order to capture and appreciate each ray of light - which is always the fruit of the Spirit of Christ - from wherever it may come."

The Pope recalled his request that the Jubilee may "serve to advance mutual dialogue until the day when all of us together - Jews, Christians and Muslims - will exchange the greeting of peace in Jerusalem." He then gave thanks to the Lord for having allowed him "the joy of this greeting" during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

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