Pope Francis: Christians and Jews should build "a more just and fraternal world"
Feb 13, 2014: Pope Francis on Thursday urged Christians and Jews to cooperate in
constructing “a more just and fraternal world” during a meeting with members of the
American Jewish Committee.
“In this regard, I call to mind in a particular
way our common efforts to serve the poor, the marginalized and those who suffer,”
said Pope Francis. “Our commitment to this service is anchored in the protection of
the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners as shown in Sacred Scripture. It is a God
given duty, one which reflects his holy will and his justice; it is a true religious
obligation.”
The Holy Father also said it is important to transmit to new generations
the “heritage of our mutual knowledge, esteem and friendship which has, thanks to
the commitment of associations like yours, grown over these years.”
The full
text of the address by Pope Francis to the American Jewish Committee is printed below
Address of the Holy Father to Members of the American Jewish Committee 13
February 2014
Dear friends, I welcome you here today. Your organization,
which on various occasions has met with my venerable Predecessors, maintains good
relations with the Holy See and with many representatives of the Catholic world. I
am very grateful to you for the distinguished contribution you have made to dialogue
and fraternity between Jews and Catholics, and I encourage you to continue on this
path. Next year we will commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration
of the Second Vatican Council Nostra Aetate, which today constitutes for the Church
the sure point of reference for relations with our “elder brothers”. From this document,
our reflection on the spiritual patrimony which unites us and which is the foundation
of our dialogue has developed with renewed vigour. This foundation is theological,
and not simply an expression of our desire for reciprocal respect and esteem. Therefore,
it is important that our dialogue be always profoundly marked by the awareness of
our relationship with God.
In addition to dialogue, it is also important to
find ways in which Jews and Christians can cooperate in constructing a more just and
fraternal world. In this regard, I call to mind in a particular way our common efforts
to serve the poor, the marginalized and those who suffer. Our commitment to this service
is anchored in the protection of the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners as shown
in Sacred Scripture (cf. Ex 20:20-22). It is a God given duty, one which reflects
his holy will and his justice; it is a true religious obligation.
Finally,
in order that our efforts may not be fruitless, it is important that we dedicate ourselves
to transmitting to new generations the heritage of our mutual knowledge, esteem and
friendship which has, thanks to the commitment of associations like yours, grown over
these years. It is my hope therefore that the study of relations with Judaism may
continue to flourish in seminaries and in centres of formation for lay Catholics,
as I am similarly hopeful that a desire for an understanding of Christianity may grow
among young Rabbis and the Jewish community.
Dear friends, in a few months
I will have the joy of visiting Jerusalem, where – as the Psalm says – we are all
born (cf. Ps 87:5) and where all peoples will one day meet (cf. Is 25:6-10). Accompany
me with your prayers, so that this pilgrimage may bring forth the fruits of communion,
hope and peace. Shalom!