Pope assures Jewish leaders of commitment
German-born Pope Benedict XVI held his first meeting with an international Jewish group today, assuring them he will continue his predecessors’ efforts to improve relations between Catholics and Jews.
Benedict acknowledged the history of their relations had been “complex and often painful”, but he was convinced their “spiritual patrimony” could guide them toward a “future of hope”.
Since his election as pope on April 19, Benedict has reached out to the Jews and denounced the crimes by the Nazis. He served in the Hitler Youth organisation as a teenager and later deserted from the German army in the waning days of the war.
Benedict noted this year was the 40th anniversary of a declaration by the Second Vatican Council that shaped Catholic teaching toward Jews, deploring anti-Semitism and persecution.
“At the very beginning of my Pontificate, I wish to assure you the Church remains firmly committed, in her catechesis and in every aspect of her life, to implementing this decisive teaching,” the Pope said.
He also pledged to “continue on the path” of Popes Paul VI and John Paul II in improving Catholic-Jewish relations.
