VATICAN - Benedict XVI addresses International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations: “In our troubled world, so frequently marked by poverty, violence and exploitation, dialogue between cultures and religions must more and more be seen as a sacred duty incumbent upon all those who are committed to building a world worthy of man.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Church’s commitment to implementing the principles set forth in the historic Declaration Nostra Aetate of the Second Vatican Council, “which firmly condemned all forms of antisemitism, represented both a significant milestone in the long history of Catholic-Jewish relations and a summons to a renewed theological understanding of the relations between the Church and the Jewish People,” was recalled by the Holy Father Benedict XVI in the audience held with members of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, on October 30. The Holy Father gladly noted that “Christians today are increasingly conscious of the spiritual patrimony they share with the people of the Torah” and “Jews too are challenged to discover what they have in common with all who believe in the Lord.” He exhorted them to “bear common witness to God’s love, mercy and truth. This is a a vital service in our own time, threatened by the loss of the spiritual and moral values which guarantee human dignity, solidarity, justice and peace.” Continuing with his address, Benedict XVI observed: “In our troubled world, so frequently marked by poverty, violence and exploitation, dialogue between cultures and religions must more and more be seen as a sacred duty incumbent upon all those who are committed to building a world worthy of man. The ability to accept and respect one another, and to speak the truth in love, is essential for overcoming differences, preventing misunderstandings and avoiding needless confrontations.”
Reflecting on the many meetings of the International Liaison Committee, the Pope highlighted that “dialogue is only serious and honest when it respects differences and recognizes others precisely in their otherness. A sincere dialogue needs both openness and a firm sense of identity on both sides, in order for each to be enriched by the gifts of the other.” Lastly, in giving thanks to God for their recent encounters with the Jewish communities in various locations and for the progress being made in Catholic-Jewish relations, Benedict XVI encouraged those present to persevere in their effort, “with patience and renewed commitment.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 31/10/2008)