Pope Francis on Thursday
said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors
Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II in pursuing dialogue
between Catholics and Jews.
"I wish to recall with heartfelt gratitude all those who
have fostered friendship between Jews and Catholics," the pope
told representatives of B'nai B'rith International, a Jewish
organization that sponsors cultural programs and promotes
religious tolerance and international cooperation.
In his remarks the pope said there are "many areas in which
we as Jews and Christians can continue to work together".
"Respect for life and creation, human dignity, justice and
solidarity unite us for the development of society and for
securing a future rich in hope for generations to come," he
added.
Francis also recalled ongoing conflict in the Holy Land and
the Middle East.
Such situations "require a courageous commitment to peace,
which is not only to be longed for, but sought after and built
up patiently and tenaciously by everyone, especially believers,"
he said. http://popefrancisnewsapp.com/
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