“Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges,” the American pontiff said.
“I am therefore pleased and grateful for the presence of representatives of other religious traditions, who share the search for God and his will, which is always and only the will of love and life for men and women and for all creatures.
“In a world wounded by violence and conflict, each of the communities represented here brings its own contribution of wisdom, compassion and commitment to the good of humanity and the preservation of our common home,” he continued.
“I am convinced that if we are in agreement, and free from ideological and political conditioning, we can be effective in saying ‘no’ to war and ‘yes’ to peace, ‘no’ to the arms race and ‘yes’ to disarmament, ‘no’ to an economy that impoverishes peoples and the Earth and ‘yes’ to integral development.”
Leo spoke specifically about the Catholic Church’s relations with Jews and Muslims.
“Because of the Jewish roots of Christianity, all Christians have a special relationship with Judaism,” he said.
“The conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate (no. 4) emphasises the greatness of the spiritual heritage shared by Christians and Jews, encouraging mutual knowledge and esteem.
“The theological dialogue between Christians and Jews remains ever important and close to my heart.
“Even in these difficult times, marked by conflicts and misunderstandings, it is necessary to continue the momentum of this precious dialogue of ours.
“Relations between the Catholic Church and Muslims have been marked by a growing commitment to dialogue and fraternity…
“This approach, based on mutual respect and freedom of conscience, is a solid foundation for building bridges between our communities,” he concluded.
ANSA
