Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Washington (Agenzia Fides) - Having concluded his visit to the Catholic University of America, the Holy Father visited the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, for an encounter with representatives of other religions (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism). “This country has a long history of cooperation between different religions in many spheres of public life,” the Holy Father said in his address, encouraging all religious groups “to persevere in their collaboration” and thus, enrich public life with the spiritual values that motivate their action in the world.
“Americans have always valued the ability to worship freely and in accordance with their conscience,” the Pope said, quoting Alexis de Tocqueville, the French historian and observer of American affairs, that was fascinated with this aspect of the nation. “In urban areas, it is common for individuals from different cultural backgrounds and religions to engage with one another daily in commercial, social and educational settings. Today, in classrooms throughout the country, young Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and indeed children of all religions sit side-by-side, learning with one another and from one another. This diversity gives rise to new challenges that spark a deeper reflection on the core principles of a democratic society.”
The Pope emphasized the fact that “the task of upholding religious freedom is never completed,” and said that “protecting religious freedom within the rule of law does not guarantee that peoples - particularly minorities - will be spared from unjust forms of discrimination and prejudice. This requires constant effort on the part of all members of society to ensure that citizens are afforded the opportunity to worship peaceably and to pass on their religious heritage to their children. The transmission of religious traditions to succeeding generations not only helps to preserve a heritage; it also sustains and nourishes the surrounding culture in the present day. The same holds true for dialogue between religions; both the participants and society are enriched. As we grow in understanding of one another, we see that we share an esteem for ethical values, discernable to human reason, which are revered by all peoples of goodwill. The world begs for a common witness to these values.” The Pope then invited all religious people, “to view dialogue not only as a means of enhancing mutual understanding, but also as a way of serving society at large.”
After recognizing the great contribution religious communities make to civil society through faith-based schools, the Pope noted the “enormous responsibility” of religious leaders “to imbue society with a profound awe and respect for human life and freedom; to ensure that human dignity is recognized and cherished; to facilitate peace and justice; to teach children what is right, good and reasonable!”
Noting the growing interest among governments to sponsor programs intended to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, Benedict XVI said that while they are praiseworthy initiatives, “At the same time, religious freedom, interreligious dialogue and faith-based education aim at something more than a consensus regarding ways to implement practical strategies for advancing peace. The broader purpose of dialogue is to discover the truth. What is the origin and destiny of mankind? What are good and evil? What awaits us at the end of our earthly existence?”
In our age, “these questions are too often marginalized. Yet they can never be erased from the human heart.” Therefore, “Spiritual leaders have a special duty, and we might say competence, to place the deeper questions at the forefront of human consciousness, to reawaken mankind to the mystery of human existence, and to make space in a frenetic world for reflection and prayer.”
For Christians, all the profound questions of humanity’s origin and destiny find their response in Jesus of Nazareth. “He, we believe, is the eternal Logos who became flesh in order to reconcile man to God and reveal the underlying reason of all things. It is he whom we bring to the forum of interreligious dialogue. The ardent desire to follow in his footsteps spurs Christians to open their minds and hearts in dialogue.”
“While always uniting our hearts and minds in the call for peace, we must also listen attentively to the voice of truth. In this way, our dialogue will not stop at identifying a common set of values, but go on to probe their ultimate foundation,” the Pope said. He also emphasized that, “the higher goal of interreligious dialogue requires a clear exposition of our respective religious tenets. In this regard, colleges, universities and study centers are important forums for a candid exchange of religious ideas. The Holy See, for its part, seeks to carry forward this important work through the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, and various Pontifical Universities.”
The Pope concluded his speech, asking that “the followers of all religions stand together in defending and promoting life and religious freedom everywhere,” and thus become, “instruments of peace for the whole human family.”
At the close of his visit to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, the Pope greeted the representatives of the Jewish Community in the Polish National Room, delivering a congratulatory Message to them, on the occasion of the feast of Pesah, the Jewish Passover, which begins Saturday, April 19. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 18/4/2008; righe 69, parole 869)
