Pope condemns anti-semitism

-6/2/04

John Paul II has condemned racism and anti-Semitism, as he met a delegation of the American Jewish Committee.

Pope condemns anti-semitism

-6/2/04

John Paul II has condemned racism and anti-Semitism, as he met a delegation of the American Jewish Committee.

Echoing recent statements by the Archbishop of Canterbury on his six-day pastoral visit to the Middle East, who strongly condemned the latest upsurge in violence involving Israelis and Palestinians, the Pope repeated his contention that violence desecrates religion when it seeks justification in the latter.

As he received his guests, the pope noted the forthcoming 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council declaration “Nostra Aetate,” which “has so significantly contributed to the strengthening of Jewish-Catholic relations.”

The Jewish committee visited the Pope in 1985 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Vatican II declaration.

Forty years later, “there is, regrettably, a great need to repeat our utter condemnation of racism and anti-Semitism,” John Paul II said in his brief English-language address.

“Violence in the name of religion is always a desecration of religion,” he said. “Countering this alarming trend requires that together we stress the importance of religious education which promotes respect and love towards others.”

The Pontiff referred to the present situation in the Holy Land, “which continues to be afflicted by violence and suffering.”

“It is my fervent prayer that a just solution will be found which respects the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians,” the Holy Father said before invoking peace in Hebrew: “Shalom aleichem.”

Pope condemns anti-semitism

-6/2/04

John Paul II has condemned racism and anti-Semitism, as he met a delegation of the American Jewish Committee.

Echoing recent statements by the Archbishop of Canterbury on his six-day pastoral visit to the Middle East, who strongly condemned the latest upsurge in violence involving Israelis and Palestinians, the Pope repeated his contention that violence desecrates religion when it seeks justification in the latter.

As he received his guests, the pope noted the forthcoming 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council declaration “Nostra Aetate,” which “has so significantly contributed to the strengthening of Jewish-Catholic relations.”

The Jewish committee visited the Pope in 1985 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Vatican II declaration.

Forty years later, “there is, regrettably, a great need to repeat our utter condemnation of racism and anti-Semitism,” John Paul II said in his brief English-language address.

“Violence in the name of religion is always a desecration of religion,” he said. “Countering this alarming trend requires that together we stress the importance of religious education which promotes respect and love towards others.”

The Pontiff referred to the present situation in the Holy Land, “which continues to be afflicted by violence and suffering.”

“It is my fervent prayer that a just solution will be found which respects the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians,” the Holy Father said before invoking peace in Hebrew: “Shalom aleichem.”