Vatican City, 25 June 2015 (VIS) – A
delegation from B'nai B'rith International (“Children of the
Covenant”), a Jewish non-governmental organisation of a
philanthropic nature founded in 1843, which opposes anti-Semitism in
all its forms and promotes human rights, was received in audience by
Pope Francis this morning. B'nai B'rith established contacts with the
Holy See following the promulgation of the conciliar declaration
Nostra Aetate which, as the Holy Father mentioned, “constituted a
milestone on the path of mutual knowledge and esteem between Jews and
Catholics, based on the great spiritual patrimony that, thanks be to
God, we share in common”.
During the last fifty years of regular
dialogue between the Catholic Church and Judaism, great steps have
been taken in fostering mutual trust and appreciation. “Respect for
life and creation, human dignity, justice and solidarity unite us for
the development of society and for securing a future rich in hope for
generations to come. In a particular way, we are called to pray and
work together for peace. Unfortunately, there are many countries and
regions of the world that live in situations of conflict – I think
in particular of the Holy Land and the Middle East – and that
require a courageous commitment to peace, which is not only to be
longed for, but sought after and built up patiently and tenaciously
by everyone, especially believers”.
Francis recalled with profound
gratitude all those who have worked to promote friendship between
Jews and Catholics, and mentioned St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II
in particular. “The first saved many Jews during the Second World
War, he met with them numerous times, and greatly desired a conciliar
document on this theme. Regarding St. John Paul II, his various
historical gestures remain very much alive in our memories, such as
his visit to Auschwitz and to the Great Synagogue of Rome. With the
help of God, I wish to walk in their footsteps, encouraged too by the
many beautiful encounters and friendships I enjoyed in Buenos Aires”,
the Pope concluded.
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