MAY JEWS, CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS LIVE IN PEACE IN HOLY LAND

Posted by Marilynn Hughes Mar 12, 2009

VATICAN CITY, 12 MAR 2009 (Vatican Information Service) - At midday today, the Pope received a delegation from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and of the Holy See Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews.

Addressing them in English, the Pope noted how "the important dialogue in which you are engaged is a fruit of the historical visit of my beloved predecessor Pope John Paul II to the Holy Land in March 2000".

During the last seven years of dialogue, said Benedict XVI, "not only has the friendship between the commission and the Chief Rabbinate increased, but you have also been able to reflect on important themes which are relevant to the Jewish and Christian traditions alike".

"During the seven meetings held either here in Rome or in Jerusalem. You have reflected on the sanctity of life, family values, social justice and ethical conduct, the importance of the Word of God expressed in Holy Scriptures for society and education, the relationship between religious and civil authority and the freedom of religion and conscience".

Referring then to his own forthcoming pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the Pope highlighted his intention "to pray especially for the precious gift of unity and peace both within the region and for the world-wide human family".

The Holy Father concluded by expressing the hope that his visit may "also help to deepen the dialogue of the Church with the Jewish people so that Jews and Christians and also Muslims may live in peace and harmony in this Holy Land".