VATICAN CITY, MAR 16, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received a delegation from the American Jewish Committee, to whom he expressed the hope that "this meeting will further encourage your efforts to increase friendship between the Jewish people and the Catholic Church."
The Pope then went on to refer to recent celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Vatican Council II Declaration "Nostra Aetate," highlighting how it "increased our shared desire to know each other better and to develop a dialogue characterized by mutual respect and love."
"Jews and Christians have a rich common patrimony," the Holy Father observed. "In many ways this distinguishes our relationship as unique among the religions of the world. The Church can never forget that chosen people with whom God entered into a holy covenant.
"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 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."
The Pope concluded his brief address by recalling the fact that "religious leaders have a responsibility to work for reconciliation through genuine dialogue and acts of human solidarity. ... I pray that your visit today may confirm you in your endeavors to build bridges of understanding across all barriers."
AC/.../AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE VIS 20060316 (270)
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