Jews, Christians called to work together, pope tells chief rabbi

Published: 2006-01-16

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians and Jews, sharing faith in the same God, are called to work together for justice, peace and the good of human souls, Pope Benedict XVI told Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome. "The Catholic Church is close to you and is your friend," the pope told the rabbi Jan. 16 during a meeting at the Vatican. Pope Benedict said Christians believe that, in Christ, they have become part of God's chosen people, sharing the blessings and the call to serve the Lord. "That makes us Christians aware that, together with you, we have the responsibility to cooperate for the good of all peoples in justice and peace, in truth and freedom, in holiness and love," the pope said. Sharing a mission with the Jewish people, he said, Christians must fight "hatred and misunderstanding, injustice and the violence which continues to sow concern in the souls of men and women of good will. In this context, how can we not be saddened and worried by the renewed signs of anti-Semitism that are sometimes seen."

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