Vatican City, 13 February 2014 (VIS) –
“I am very grateful to you for the distinguished contribution you
have made to dialogue and fraternity between Jews and Catholics, and
I encourage you to continue on this path”, said Pope Francis to the
fifty-five members of the American Jewish Committee delegation, whom he
received this morning in the Consistory Hall, also recalling the good
relations the organisation maintained with his predecessors, as well
as with the Holy See and the many representatives of the Catholic
world.
“Next year we will commemorate the
fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of the Second Vatican
Council, 'Nostra Aetate', which today constitutes for the Church the
sure point of reference for relations with our 'elder brothers'”,
he continued. “From this document, our reflection on the spiritual
patrimony which unites us and which is the foundation of our dialogue
has developed with renewed vigour. This foundation is theological,
and not simply an expression of our desire for reciprocal respect and
esteem. Therefore, it is important that our dialogue be always
profoundly marked by the awareness of our relationship with God”.
“In addition to dialogue, it is also
important to find ways in which Jews and Christians can cooperate in
constructing a more just and fraternal world. In this regard, I call
to mind in a particular way our common efforts to serve the poor, the
marginalized and those who suffer. Our commitment to this service is
anchored in the protection of the poor, widows, orphans, and
foreigners as shown in Sacred Scripture. It is a God given duty, one
which reflects His holy will and His justice; it is a true religious
obligation”.
Finally, in order that common efforts
may not be fruitless, “it is important that we dedicate ourselves
to transmitting to new generations the heritage of our mutual
knowledge, esteem and friendship which, thanks to the commitment of
associations like yours, has grown over these years. It is my hope
therefore that the study of relations with Judaism may continue to
flourish in seminaries and in centres of formation for lay Catholics,
as I am similarly hopeful that a desire for an understanding of
Christianity may grow among young Rabbis and the Jewish community”.
“Dear friends”, concluded the Holy
Father, “in a few months I will have the joy of visiting Jerusalem,
where – as the Psalm says – we are all born and where all peoples
will one day meet. Accompany me with your prayers, so that this
pilgrimage may bring forth the fruits of communion, hope and peace.
Shalom!”
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