VATICAN CITY, MAY 12, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is underlining the areas in which Catholics and Jews work together, especially practical works of charity and service to the poor.
The Pope stated this today in an audience with representatives of B’nai B’rith International («Sons of the Covenant» in Hebrew), the oldest Jewish service organization in the world. It was founded in New York City in 1843.
The Pontiff expressed appreciation for the organization’s «involvement in Catholic-Jewish dialogue and particularly your active participation in the meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee, held in Paris at the end of February.»
He noted that «the Paris meeting affirmed the desire of Catholics and Jews to stand together in meeting the immense challenges facing our communities in a rapidly changing world and, significantly, our shared religious duty to combat poverty, injustice, discrimination and the denial of universal human rights.»
«There are many ways in which Jews and Christians can cooperate for the betterment of the world in accordance with the will of the Almighty for the good of mankind,» the Holy Father stated.
«Our thoughts turn immediately to practical works of charity and service to the poor and those in need,» he said.
Benedict XVI continued, «Yet one of the most important things that we can do together is bear common witness to our deeply-held belief that every man and woman is created in the divine image and thus possessed of inviolable dignity.»
«This conviction remains the most secure basis for every effort to defend and promote the inalienable rights of each human being,» he added.
The Pontiff stated that «the life and work of all believers should bear constant witness to the transcendent, point to the invisible realities which lie beyond us.»
As well, he said, it should «embody the conviction that a loving, compassionate Providence guides the final outcome of history, no matter how difficult and threatening the journey along the way may sometimes appear.»
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Full text: www.zenit.org/article-32551?l=english
