Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Christians and Jews share to a great extent a common spiritual patrimony, they pray to the same Lord, they have the same roots, and yet they often remain unknown to each other. It is our duty, in response to God’s call, to strive to keep open the space for dialogue, for reciprocal respect, for growth in friendship, for a common witness in the face of the challenges of our time, which invite us to cooperate for the good of humanity in this world created by God, the Omnipotent and Merciful.” This is exhortation that was made by the Holy Father Benedict XVI at the Synagogue of Rome, in his visit to the Jewish Community of Rome, on Sunday, January 17.
The Pontiff recalled the previous visit of Pope John Paul II, on April 13, 1986, who “wanted to make a decisive contribution to strengthening the good relations between our two communities, so as to overcome every misconception and prejudice.” Thus, the Council “gave a strong impetus to our irrevocable commitment to pursue the path of dialogue, fraternity and friendship.” “I too, in the course of my Pontificate, have wanted to demonstrate my closeness to and my affection for the people of the Covenant...the Church has not failed to deplore the failings of her sons and daughters, begging forgiveness for all that could in any way have contributed to the scourge of anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism. May these wounds be healed forever!”
Among the tragedies of the 20th century, the Pontiff cited “singular and deeply disturbing drama of the Shoah” that “represents, as it were, the most extreme point on the path of hatred that begins when man forgets his Creator and places himself at the center of the universe.” Recalling the Roman Jews who were taken from their homes and “the extermination of the people of the Covenant of Moses, at first announced, then systematically programmed and put into practice in Europe under the Nazi regime,” Benedict XVI continued: “Unfortunately, many remained indifferent, but many, including Italian Catholics, sustained by their faith and by Christian teaching, reacted with courage, often at risk of their lives, opening their arms to assist the Jewish fugitives who were being hunted down, and earning perennial gratitude. The Apostolic See itself provided assistance, often in a hidden and discreet way.”
Focusing on what unites the two communities, the Pontiff cited the Holy Bible as “most stable and lasting foundation, which constantly reminds us of our common roots, our history and the rich spiritual patrimony that we share.” From the Law and the Prophets come numerous implications for both. In particular, the Decalogue, defined as “a beacon and a norm of life in justice and love, a "great ethical code" for all humanity,” proposes various areas of collaboration and witness, among which the Pope mentioned as most urgent: “reawakening in our society openness to the transcendent dimension, witnessing to the one God,” “witness together to the supreme value of life against all selfishness,” “witness that the family continues to be the essential cell of society and the basic environment in which human virtues are learned and practiced.” Jews and Christians are also called to exercise “a special generosity towards the poor, towards women and children, strangers, the sick, the weak and the needy...In exercising justice and mercy, Jews and Christians are called to announce and to bear witness to the coming Kingdom of the Most High.”
Finally, the Pontiff asked that they “walk together, aware of the differences that exist between us, but also aware of the fact that when we succeed in uniting our hearts and our hands in response to the Lord’s call, his light comes closer and shines on all the peoples of the world.” In concluding his address, Benedict XVI begged the Lord for “the precious gift of peace in the world, above all in the Holy Land.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 18/01/2010)
