Pope urges religious leaders to reconcile conflicts with dialogue

Published: 2006-03-16

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI called on Jews, Christians and Muslims to work together to promote peace and justice in the world, and he urged religious leaders to lead the way by reconciling conflicts and divisions through dialogue and active solidarity. In a March 16 speech to members of the American Jewish Committee, the pope underlined the "rich common patrimony" that "distinguishes our relationship as unique among the religions of the world," he said. Christianity acknowledges God's relationship with Israel as the beginning of salvation history, and the pope reminded his audience that the Catholic Church "can never forget that chosen people with whom God entered into a holy covenant." But Judaism and Christianity also share a unique trait with Islam in that they all believe in one God as creator of heaven and earth, he said. "It follows, therefore, that all three monotheistic religions are called to cooperate with one another for the common good of humanity, serving the cause of justice and peace in the world," said the pope. He emphasized the importance of religious leaders spearheading such efforts since they "have a responsibility to work for reconciliation through genuine dialogue and acts of human solidarity."

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