AP News, January 17th, 2007
Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday called on Christians and Jews to work together for world peace as Israel's chief rabbi, addressing a conference on Christian-Jewish relations, urged the international community to "do everything" to defend the Jewish state.
The pope has been reaching out to Jews, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the late John Paul II. Benedict visited a synagogue in Cologne, Germany, during his first trip abroad as pontiff in 2005.
"I invite all to ... invoke the Lord so that Christians and Jews respect each other, appreciate each other and cooperate for justice and peace in the world," Benedict told thousands of faithful during his weekly general audience at the Vatican.
The pope also touched upon another frequent theme when he called for Christian unity, saying the road is "long and not easy" but adding it is necessary "not to get discouraged."
The Italian Bishops Conference has dedicated Wednesday to Catholic-Jewish dialogue.
Separately, a Catholic lay organization, the Sant'Egidio Community, organized a conference drawing Vatican officials and religious leaders to discuss Christian-Jewish relations.
At the conference, the chief rabbi of Israel appealed to the international community and the United Nations to "do everything to avert the threat against my people and my country."
Yona Metzger said his country is being threatened by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be wiped off the map.
"There are those who try to imitate the Nazi leader with very grave warnings," Metzger said. "To remain inert before Iran today is a grave sin."
He pointed to "fanatics of Islam" and warned against "the use of religion for terrorist ends."
The rabbi also reiterated his country's invitation to Benedict, saying "whenever the pope would like to come to Israel, we will welcome him warmly." He hailed current relations between Christians and Jews as very positive.
Benedict has said he hoped to travel to the Holy Land and pray in Jerusalem as soon as circumstances permit it.
