Jewish-Catholic talks begin in Rome

(March 03, 2010 ) Meetings between representatives of several Vatican departments and the International Jewish Committee for Inter-religious consultations (IJCIC), began in Rome on Tuesday. The two-day Jewish-Catholic talks will focus on delicate issues, such as the Vatican archives, the process of beatification of Pope Pius XII, anti-Semitism and a commitment to dialogue in the spirit of Vatican II.
The Jewish delegation led by Rabbi Richard Marker was welcomed by Mons. Brian Farell and Fr. Norbert Hofmann of the Holy See’s Commission for religious rapport with the Jews. Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, President of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Inter-religious dialogue had a meeting with the Jewish delegation on Tuesday morning. Another meeting followed the same evening with Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
On Wednesday, a meeting is scheduled between Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone and Maram Stern, Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress. On the sidelines, talks are also scheduled between the Sant’Egidio Community and Thomas Casej, Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies “Cardinal Bea”- at the Gregorian University, where Lee Levine will give lecture on Jerusalem “ a holy city for the Jews”.