VATICAN - Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI: “Intercultural and interreligious dialogue emerges as a priority for the European Union...Once diversity is received as a positive fact, it is necessary to make persons accept not only the existence of the other's culture, but also the desire to be enriched with it.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On the occasion of the Study Day dedicated to the theme “Cultures and Religions in Dialogue,” (during the year dedicated to intercultural dialogue promoted by the European Union) that took place on December 4, the Holy Father Benedict XVI sent a Message to the President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, and the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi.
In his Message, the Holy Father mentioned that “Contemporary Europe, peering into the third millennium, is the fruit of two millennia of civilization. The latter sinks its roots both in the enormous and ancient patrimony of Athens and Rome, as well as above all in the fruitful terrain of Christianity...Thus, Europe appears to us today as a precious fabric, whose weave is made up of the principles and values of the Gospel, while the national cultures have been able to address an immense variety of perspectives which manifest the religious, intellectual, technical, scientific and artistic capacities of 'Homo Europeus.'” With these motives, Europe has had still has a cultural influence on the totality of the human species, and cannot fail to feel particularly responsible not only for its own future, but also that of the whole of humanity.
From the moment in which, in an effort to respond to the fundamental questions of contemporary man, on the meaning of life and its value, it seems more important than ever to reflect on the ancient roots from which has flowed an abundant sap for centuries. The Holy Father continues: “ntercultural and interreligious dialogue emerges as a priority for the European Union and is of interest transversally to the sectors of culture and communication, of education and science, of migrations and minorities, youth and labor. Once diversity is received as a positive fact, it is necessary to make persons accept not only the existence of the other's culture, but also the desire to be enriched with it.”
In this so-called “pluralistic world” in which we live, characterized by the speed of communications, the mobility of peoples and their economic, political and cultural interdependence, Europe's Christian roots are always alive, although many Europeans seem to ignore them, and they “should trace the path and nourish the hope of millions of citizens who share the same values.”
In the concluding part of his Message, the Holy Father Benedict XVI exhorts believers to “always be willing to promote initiatives of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, to stimulate collaboration on topics of mutual interest, such as the dignity of the human person, the quest for the common good, the building of peace and development,” mentioning that “to be authentic, dialogue must avoid yielding to relativism and syncretism and be animated by sincere respect for others and by a generous spirit of reconciliation and fraternity.”
Lastly, the Pope encouraged “all those dedicated to the building of a friendly and sympathetic Europe ever more faithful to its roots” and, in particular, exhorted believers “to contribute not only to zealously protecting the cultural and spiritual heritage that distinguishes them and forms an integral part of their history, but also to commit themselves increasingly to seek new ways to adequately address the great challenges that mark the post-modern age.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2008)