The Pope address Israeli Rabbis

Catholic World News has the story.

With the fortieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate on the way, the Pope granted an audience to two Israeli rabbis yesterday. Here are the details:

Noting that the rabbis were visiting to mark the 40th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (doc) , the Pope observed that the Vatican II document had been a milestones in Catholic-Jewish relations, and saluted "the many forms of contact, dialogue and cooperation that have their origin in the principles and spirit of that document."

Turning his attention to the Holy Land, the Pope said: "Unfortunately, our attention is too often drawn by acts of violence and terror, a cause of immense sorrow to everyone living there." He stressed that religious leaders should join in efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for fundamental human rights.

Pope Benedict reminded the Israeli religious leaders that Christians in the Holy Land "face new and increasing challenges." And he prodded for completion of negotiations between the Israeli government and the Holy See on a pact establishing the juridical rights of Catholic institutions in Israel.

Continued good will between Catholics and Jews, not to mention the Vatican and the State of Israel, benefit the world. Jews and Christians together enjoy a convenentual realtionship with God through the patriarch Abraham. Pope John Paul the Great has referred to Jews as Christians' elder brother in the faith. From the Jewish people come Jesus, Mary, the Apostles and a great many of the early saints. We can and must live up to our commitment to love these brothers of ours as ourselves.

Pope Benedict continues the work started by the Council Fathers of the Second Vatican Council and Pope John Paul the Great. May God continue bear fruit through his faithful witness of Truth and solidarity to the first people whom God chose as his own.