Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – On the morning of May 12, the Holy Father Benedict XVI traveled to the Esplanade of the Mosques. After a brief visit to the Dome of the Rock, the most ancient Islamic monument in the Holy Land, the Holy Father went to the “al-Kubbah al-Nahawiyya” building, where he met various important members of the Muslim community.
In his address, the Holy Father said: “The Dome of the Rock draws our hearts and minds to reflect upon the mystery of creation and the faith of Abraham. Here the paths of the world’s three great monotheistic religions meet, reminding us what they share in common. Each believes in One God, creator and ruler of all. Each recognizes Abraham as a forefather, a man of faith upon whom God bestowed a special blessing. Each has gained a large following throughout the centuries and inspired a rich spiritual, intellectual and cultural patrimony.”
Benedict XVI then mentioned that this place “serves as a stimulus, and also challenges men and women of goodwill to work to overcome misunderstandings and conflicts of the past and to set out on the path of a sincere dialogue aimed at building a world of justice and peace for coming generations.” Encouraging all people to overcome pessimism and temptations to avoid dialogue among religious traditions, the Pope invited all to begin with “the belief that the One God is the infinite source of justice and mercy, since in him the two exist in perfect unity,” and thus, “those who confess his name are entrusted with the task of striving tirelessly for righteousness while imitating his forgiveness, for both are intrinsically oriented to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the human family.”
This places a “grave responsibility” upon us, the Pope said. “Those who honor the One God believe that he will hold human beings accountable for their actions. Christians assert that the divine gifts of reason and freedom stand at the basis of this accountability. Reason opens the mind to grasp the shared nature and common destiny of the human family, while freedom moves the heart to accept the other and serve him in charity. Undivided love for the One God and charity towards ones neighbor thus become the fulcrum around which all else turns. This is why we work untiringly to safeguard human hearts from hatred, anger or vengeance.”
Benedict XVI concluded his discourse by recalling the fact that he has come to Jerusalem “on a journey of faith,” and assured of the “Church’s ardent desire to cooperate for the well-being of the human family. She firmly believes that the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham is universal in scope, embracing all men and women regardless of provenance or social status. As Muslims and Christians further the respectful dialogue they have already begun, I pray that they will explore how the Oneness of God is inextricably tied to the unity of the human family.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 13/5/2009)
