Pope reaches out to Jews

2005-04-22 00:01

Rome - Pope Benedict XVI has vowed to foster dialogue with Jews, Rome's Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni said on Thursday, in a sign of the new pontiff's stated desire to work toward better inter-faith relations.

Di Segni quoted a letter from the pope, who said he had "trust in the help of the Almighty", in which he pledged to continue and intensify contacts with Jews begun by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.

"I trust in the help of the Almighty to continue and strengthen the dialogue and collaboration with the sons and daughters of the Jewish people," the pope said in the message, which was dated Wednesday.

Jewish leaders in Israel and beyond have saluted the election of Benedict, saying he was a friend of the Jewish people and calling on him to continue the fight against anti-Semitism.

John Paul II, the first pope to visit a synagogue, was widely admired in Israel for his work in reconciling the Roman Catholic Church with the Jewish people, a policy his successor was expected to continue.

Benedict's election was also welcomed in the Muslim world, where John Paul II had already made a significant impact by also becoming the first pope to visit a mosque.

In his first mass as pope on Wednesday, Benedict said he was committed to "open and sincere dialogue" with followers of other religions.

"I address everyone with simplicity and affection to ensure that the Church wants to continue to weave an open and sincere dialogue with them in the search for the true good of man and society," he said.

- AFP