January 17, 2006
Meeting with Rome's chief rabbi, Pope Benedict XVI has expressed pain and worry over outbreaks of anti-Semitism in the world and called on Jews and Christians to wage a united battle against hate. Benedict did not mention specific occurrences of anti-Semitism in his speech to greet Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni in an audience at the Vatican. The rabbi led a delegation from Rome's Jewish community, one of the oldest in the world. The pontiff said Jews and Christians have the responsibility to cooperate to promote justice, love and freedom. "In the light of this common mission, we cannot not denounce and combat with decisiveness the hate and incomprehension, the injustices and the violence that continue to sow worry in the soul of men and women of good will," Benedict said. "In this context, how can one not be pained and worried about the fresh outbreaks of anti-Semitism that are occurring?" the pope said. Di Segni invited Benedict to visit Rome's main synagogue, noting the approaching 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's groundbreaking visit there, which helped repair centuries of strained Catholic-Jewish relations. Meanwhile, it is expected that the pope will visit the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz during a trip to Poland next May.
