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"Mengintip Perjalanan Paus ke Timur Tengah"

Benedict XVI Encourages Israeli - Palestinian Peace Appeals for a Secure Homeland for All Peoples and bishops of the Holy Land.

The Pontiff affirmed that the three great monotheistic religions -- Christianity, Judaism and Islam -share a "special veneration" of Jerusalem.

He expressed the "earnest" hope that "all pilgrims to the holy places will be able to access them freely and without restraint, to take part in religious ceremonies and to promote the worthy upkeep of places of Pope Benedict XVI waves as he deplanes after his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International worship on sacred airport May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian sites."

"Even though the territories. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside (ISRAEL RELIGION POLITICS) name Jerusalem means 'city of peace,'" the Holy Father noted, TEL AVIV, Israel, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org)."it is all too evident that, for decades, peace Benedict XVI is emphasizing the need to cease has tragically eluded the inhabitants of this holy conflicts in the Holy Land and find a peaceful, land." just solution that affords a secure home for all "The eyes of the world are upon the peoples of peoples. this region as they struggle to achieve a just The Pope said this today in an address upon and lasting solution to conflicts that have arriving from Jordan to Israel's Tel Aviv caused so much suffering," he affirmed.

International airport, where he was greeted by Benedict XVI asserted, "The hopes of countless President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister men, women and children for a more secure Benjamin Netanyahu, and the civil authorities

POPE'S ADDRESS UPON ARRIVING TO TEL AVIV AIRPORT "The Holy See and the State of Israel Have Many Shared Values" TEL AVIV, Israel, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).Here is the text of the address Benedict XVI gave today upon arriving from Jordan to the Ben Gurion International airport in Tel Aviv, where he was received by the Israeli president, Shimon Peres, the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the civil authorities and bishops of the Holy Land. *** Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for your warm welcome to the State of Israel, a land which is held holy by millions of believers around the world. I am grateful to the President, Mr. Shimon Peres, for his kind words, and I appreciate the opportunity that has been offered to me to come on pilgrimage to a land that is hallowed by the footsteps of patriarchs and prophets, a land that Christians hold in particular veneration as the setting for the events of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I take my place in a long line of Christian pilgrims to these shores, a line that stretches back to the earliest centuries of the

Church's history and which, I am sure, will continue long into the future. I come, like so many others before me, to pray at the holy places, to pray especially for peace -- peace here in the Holy Land, and peace throughout the world.

Mr. President, the Holy See and the State of Israel have many shared values, above all a commitment to give religion its rightful place in the life of society. The just ordering of social relationships presupposes and requires a respect for the freedom and dignity of every human being, whom Christians, Muslims and Jews alike believe to be created by a loving God and destined for eternal life. When the religious dimension of the human person is denied or marginalized, the very foundation for a proper understanding of inalienable human rights is placed in jeopardy.

Tragically, the Jewish people have experienced the terrible consequences of ideologies that deny the fundamental dignity of every human person. It is right and fitting that, during my stay in Israel, I will have the opportunity to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah, and to pray that humanity will never again witness a crime of such magnitude. Sadly, anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head in many parts of the world.

This is totally unacceptable. Every effort must be made to combat anti-Semitism wherever it is

and stable future depend on the outcome of negotiations for peace between Israelis and Palestinians."

He continued: "In union with people of good will everywhere, I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties, so that both peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognized borders.

"In this regard, I hope and pray that a climate of greater trust can soon be created that will enable the parties to make real progress along the road to peace and stability."

The Pontiff urged the Christian communities in the Holy Land, "By your faithful witness to him who preached forgiveness and reconciliation, by your commitment to uphold the sacredness of every human life, you can make a particular contribution to ending the hostilities that for so long have afflicted this land."

For his part, President Peres addressed the Pope, welcoming him to Israel and recognizing this apostolic visit as a "mission of peace."

He affirmed, "We have made peace with Egypt and Jordan, and we are in negotiations to make peace with the Palestinians, and even to arrive at a comprehensive regional peace."

The Holy Father's visit, which will last through Friday, "brings a blessed understanding between religions and spreads peace near and far," said Peres.

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Pope Benedict XVI speaks during a welcoming ceremony on his behalf upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside (ISRAEL RELIGION POLITICS)

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found, and to promote respect and esteem for the members of every people, tribe, language and nation across the globe.

During my stay in Jerusalem, I will have the pleasure of meeting many of this country's distinguished religious leaders. One thing that the three great monotheistic religions have in common is a special veneration for that holy city. It is my earnest hope that all pilgrims to the holy places will be able to access them freely and without restraint, to take part in religious ceremonies and to promote the worthy upkeep of places of worship on sacred sites.

May the words of Isaiah's prophecy be fulfilled, that many nations shall flow to the mountain of the house of the Lord, that he may teach them his ways, that they may walk in his paths -paths of peace and justice, paths that lead to reconciliation and harmony (cf. Is 2:2-5).

Even though the name Jerusalem means "city of peace," it is all too evident that, for decades, peace has tragically eluded the inhabitants of this holy land. The eyes of the world are upon the peoples of this region as they struggle to achieve a just and lasting solution to conflicts that have caused so much suffering. The hopes of countless men, women and children for a more secure and stable future depend on the outcome of negotiations for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In union with people of good will everywhere, I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in

-------------------------------------I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties, so that both peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognized borders.

------------------------------------the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties, so that both peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognized borders. In this regard, I hope and pray that a climate of greater trust can soon be created that will enable the parties to make real progress along the road to peace and stability.

To the Catholic bishops and faithful here present, I offer a special word of greeting. In this land, where Peter received his commission to feed the Lord's sheep, I come as Peter's successor to minister among you. It will be my special joy to join you for the concluding celebrations of the Year of the Family, due to take place in Nazareth, home of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. As I said in my Message for the World Day of Peace last year, the family is the "first and indispensable teacher of peace" (No. 3), and hence it has a vital role to play in healing divisions in human society at every level. To the Christian communities in the Holy Land, I say: by your faithful witness to him who preached forgiveness and reconciliation, by your commitment to uphold the sacredness of every human life, you can make a particular contribution to ending the hostilities that for so long have afflicted this land. I pray that your continuing presence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories will bear much fruit in promoting peace and mutual respect among all the peoples who live in the lands of the Bible.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, once again I thank you for your welcome and I assure you of my sentiments of good will. May God give his people strength! May God bless his people with peace!

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Pontiff Calls Interfaith Dialogue The Road to Peace Notes Security Is More Than the Absence of Threat

Pope Benedict XVI (R) and Israel's President Shimon Peres plant a tree in the garden of the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day

JERUSALEM, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).- In his second public address in Israel, Benedict XVI is affirming the importance of interreligious dialogue in the pursuit of peace.

The Pope said this today in a reception hosted

by President Shimon Peres at the presidential palace in Jerusalem, on his first day of a visit to Israel that is the second leg of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, under way through Friday.

During the courtesy visit, the Pontiff symbolically planted a tree in the palace garden in the presence of numerous political and religious personalities. After this, there was a moment of spontaneous exchange between the Israeli leader and the Holy Father.

Benedict XVI then addressed those present, affirming that peace is above all a divine gift that we find when we seek God "with all our heart."

He noted that “the particular contribution of religions to the quest for peace lies primarily in the wholehearted, united search for God.” The Pope added, "It is God's dynamic presence

that draws hearts together and ensures unity."

He stated that security "arises from trust and refers not just to the absence of threat but also to the sentiment of calmness and confidence."

"Security, integrity, justice and peace," the Pontiff said, are inseparable "in God's design for the world."

"No individual, family, community or nation is exempt from the duty to live in justice and to work for peace," he affirmed.

The Holy Father stated: "I hear the cry of those who live in this land for justice, for peace, for respect for their dignity, for lasting security, a daily life free from the fear of outside threats and senseless violence.

"And I know that considerable numbers of men and women and young people are working for peace and solidarity through cultural programs and through initiatives of compassionate and practical outreach; humble enough to forgive, they have the courage to grasp the dream that is their right."

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Pope Benedict XVI waves as he walks in the garden at the residence of Israel's President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. REUTERS/Baz Ratner(JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS)

Pope Benedict XVI (L) eats a date given to him by Israel's President Shimon Peres during a ceremony at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.

REUTERS/Gali Tibbon/Pool (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS)

Pope Benedict XVI waves upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International airport May 11, 2009, in this picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO).

Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. REUTERS/Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout (ISRAEL POLITICS RELIGION)

Pope Benedict XVI (L) is greeted by Israel's President Shimon Peres during a welcoming ceremony on his behalf upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International airport May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (ISRAEL RELIGION POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Pope Benedict XVI (R, front) is greeted by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) during a welcoming ceremony on his behalf upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International airport May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.

REUTERS/Gil Cohen Magen (ISRAEL RELIGION POLITICS)

Pope Benedict XVI (L) is greeted by Israel's President Shimon Peres during a welcoming ceremony on his behalf upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International airport May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (ISRAEL RELIGION POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Pope Benedict XVI (C) is escorted by Israel's President Shimon Peres (2nd R) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) during a welcoming ceremony on his behalf upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a five-day tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.

REUTERS/Gil Cohen Magen (ISRAEL RELIGION POLITICS)

Pope Benedict XVI sits in an Israeli air force helicopter after a welcoming ceremony on his behalf at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International airport May 11, 2009, in this picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO).

Pope Benedict on Monday began the most delicate part of his first trip to the Middle East, landing in Israel for a fiveday tour that will take him to Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories. REUTERS/Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout (ISRAEL POLITICS RELIGION)

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"What Humane Political End Can Ever Be Served Through Conflict and Violence?�

Papal Address to Israel President JERUSALEM, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of the address Benedict XVI gave today at the presidential residence in Jerusalem during a courtesy visit to President Shimon Peres. *** Mr President, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, As a kind gesture of hospitality President Peres has welcomed us here to his residence, enabling me to greet you all and to have this opportunity to share a few thoughts with you.

Mr President, I thank you for this gracious welcome, and for your courteous greeting which I warmly reciprocate. I also thank the musicians who have entertained us with their fine performance.

Mr President, in the message of congratulations which I sent to you on the occasion of your inauguration, I gladly recalled your distinguished record of public service marked by a strong commitment to the pursuit of justice and peace. This afternoon I wish to assure you, together with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his newly formed Government, and all the people of the State of Israel that my pilgrimage to the holy places is one of prayer for the precious gift of unity and peace for the Middle East and all of humanity. Indeed, I pray daily for peace born of justice to return to the Holy Land and the entire region, bringing security and renewed hope for all.

Peace is above all a divine gift. For peace is the Almighty's promise to humanity, and harbors unity. In the book of the prophet Jeremiah we read: "I know the plans I have in mind for you it is the Lord who speaks - plans for peace not disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer 29:11-12). The prophet reminds us of the Almighty's promise that he can "be found", that he "will listen", that he "will gather us together as one". But there is a proviso: we must "seek him", and "seek him with all our heart" (cf. ibid.,12-14).

To the religious leaders present this afternoon, I wish to say that the particular contribution of religions to the quest for peace lies primarily in the wholehearted, united search for God. Ours is the task of proclaiming and witnessing that the Almighty is present and knowable even when he seems hidden from our sight, that he acts in our world for our good, and that a society's future is marked with hope when it resonates in harmony with his divine order. It is God's dynamic presence that draws hearts together and ensures unity. In fact, the ultimate foundation of unity among persons lies in the perfect oneness and universality of God, who created man and woman in his image and likeness in order to draw us into his own divine life so that all may be one.

Religious leaders must therefore be mindful that any division or tension, any tendency to introversion or suspicion among believers or between our communities, can easily lead to a contradiction which obscures the Almighty's oneness, betrays our unity, and contradicts the One who reveals himself as "abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Ex 34:6; Ps 138:2; Ps 85:11). My friends: Jerusalem, which has long been a crossroads for peoples of many different origins, is a city which affords Jews,

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Christians and Muslims both the duty and the privilege to bear witness together to the peaceful coexistence long desired by worshippers of the one God; to lay bare the Pope Benedict XVI leaves at the end of an official ceremony at Israeli President Shimon Peres' residence in Jerusalem, Monday, May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict XVI called for the establishment Almighty's plan for the of an independent Palestinian homeland immediately after he arrived in Israel Monday, a stance unity of the human that could put him at odds with his hosts on a trip aimed at improving ties between the Vatican and Jews. (AP Photo/Gali Tibbon, Pool) family announced to Abraham; and to proclaim the true nature of man as a seeker of disunity for their son or daughter? What God. Let us resolve to ensure that through the humane political end can ever be served teaching and guidance of our respective through conflict and violence? I hear the cry of communities we shall assist them to be true to those who live in this land for justice, for who they are as believers, ever aware of the peace, for respect for their dignity, for lasting infinite goodness of God, the inviolable dignity security, a daily life free from the fear of of every human being, and the unity of the outside threats and senseless violence. And I entire human family. know that considerable numbers of men and Sacred Scripture also presents us with an women and young people are working for understanding of security. According to the peace and solidarity through cultural programs Hebrew usage, security - batah - arises from and through initiatives of compassionate and trust and refers not just to the absence of practical outreach; humble enough to forgive, threat but also to the sentiment of calmness they have the courage to grasp the dream that and confidence. In the book of the prophet is their right.

Isaiah we read of a time of divine blessing: Mr President, I thank you for the courtesy you "Once more the Spirit is poured upon us ... and have shown to me and I assure you again of justice will dwell in the wilderness and integrity my prayers for the Government and all the in the fertile land; integrity will bring peace, citizens of this State. May a genuine and justice everlasting security" (Is 32:15-17). conversion of the hearts of all lead to an ever Security, integrity, justice and peace. In God's strengthening commitment to peace and design for the world, these are inseparable. Far security through justice for everyone. from being simply products of human endeavor, Shalom! they are values which stem from God's fundamental relationship with man, and dwell as a common patrimony in the heart of every individual.

There is only one way to protect and promote these values: exercise them! Live them! No individual, family, community or nation is exempt from the duty to live in justice and to work for peace. And naturally, civic and political leaders are expected to ensure just and proper security for the people whom they have been elected to serve. That objective forms a part of the rightful promotion of values common to humanity and thus cannot conflict with the unity of the human family. The authentic values and goals of a society, which always safeguard human dignity, are indivisible, universal and interdependent (cf.Address to the United Nations, 18 April 2008). Thus they cannot be satisfied when they fall prey to particular interests or piecemeal politics. A nation's true interest is always served by the pursuit of justice for all.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, lasting security is a matter of trust, nurtured in justice and integrity, and sealed through the conversion of hearts which stirs us to look the other in the eye, and to recognize the "Thou", as my equal, my brother, my sister. In this way does not society itself become the "fruitful field" (Is 32:15) marked, not by blocks or obstructions, but by cohesion and vibrancy?

Can it not become a community with noble aspirations where all are willingly afforded access to education, family housing and the Pope Benedict XVI, left, and Israeli President Shimon Peres, opportunity for employment, a society ready to seen during tour at the garden of the Presidential Residence in build upon the lasting foundations of hope?

Jerusalem, Monday, May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict XVI is on a To conclude, I would like to turn to the ordinary week long tour in the Middle East that includes Jordan, Israel, families of this city, of this country. What and the Palestinian territories. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, Pool) parents would ever want violence, insecurity, or

Pope Pays Respects to Holocaust Victims Jerusalem, Israel, May 11, 2009 / 12:46 pm (CNA) .- In a touching ceremony at the Holocaust Memorial this afternoon, Pope Benedict took another step in his efforts to reach out to the Jews by remembering those who died in the Shoah. The Holy Father also reiterated that the Catholic Church is committed to "praying and working tirelessly to ensure that hatred will never reign in the hearts of men again."

"I will give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name ‌ I will give them an everlasting name which shall not be cut off," with this verse from Isaiah Pope Benedict began his commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust.

"They lost their lives," he said, "but they will never lose their names: these are indelibly etched in the hearts of their loved ones, their surviving fellow prisoners, and all those determined never to allow such an atrocity to disgrace mankind again. Most of all, their names are forever fixed in the memory of Almighty God." Noting the Scriptural significance of being given a name, the Pope said, "one can weave an insidious web of lies to convince others that certain groups are undeserving of respect. Yet, try as one might, one can never take away the name of a fellow human being."

The Holy Father then emphasized the Catholic Church, "committed to the teachings of Jesus and intent on imitating his love for all people, feels deep compassion for the victims remembered here."

He also added his own personal commitment as the Bishop of Rome and Successor of the Apostle Peter, "to praying and working tirelessly to ensure that hatred will never reign in the hearts of men again. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the God of peace," he stated.

"As we stand here in silence, their cry still echoes in our hearts," the Pope said of the Holocaust victims. "It is a cry raised against every act of injustice and violence. It is a perpetual reproach against the spilling of innocent blood. It is the cry of Abel rising from the earth to the Almighty."

Bringing his reflection to an end, the Pope expressed his deep gratitude to "God and to you for the opportunity to stand here in silence: a silence to remember, a silence to pray, a silence to hope."

Prior to giving his speech, the Holy Father lit an "eternal flame" remembering the victims, and met six survivors of the Holocaust.

Pope Benedict XVI (rear) attends a wreath laying ceremony at the eternal flame, commemorating the six million Jews killed by the Nazis in the Holocaust, during a ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday said at Israel's memorial to 6 million Jews killed by Nazi Germany that their suffering must never be denied, a message that addressed Jewish anger over a Holocaust-denying bishop.

REUTERS/Pier Paolo Cito/Pool (JERUSALEM POLITICS RELIGION)

"May the Names of These Victims Never Perish" Pope Address at Yad Vashem JERUSALEM, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of the address Benedict XVI gave today at the Yad Vashem memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. *** "I will give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name ... I will give them an everlasting name which shall not be cut off" (Is 56:5).

This passage from the Book of the prophet Isaiah furnishes the two simple words which solemnly express the profound significance of this revered place: yad - "memorial"; shem "name". I have come to stand in silence before this monument, erected to honor the memory of the millions of Jews killed in the horrific tragedy of the Shoah. They lost their lives, but they will never lose their names: these are indelibly etched in the hearts of their loved ones, their surviving fellow prisoners, and all those determined never to allow such an atrocity to disgrace mankind again. Most of all, their names are forever fixed in the memory of Almighty God. One can rob a neighbor of possessions, opportunity or freedom. One can weave an insidious web of lies to convince others that certain groups are undeserving of respect. Yet, try as one might, one can never take away the name of a fellow human being.

Sacred Scripture teaches us the importance of names in conferring upon someone a unique mission or a special gift. God called Abram "Abraham" because he was to become the "father of many nations" (Gen17:5). Jacob was called "Israel" because he had "contended with God and man and prevailed" (Gen32:29). The names enshrined in this hallowed monument will forever hold a sacred place among the countless descendants of Abraham. Like his, their faith was tested. Like Jacob, they were immersed in the struggle to discern the designs of the Almighty. May the names of these victims

REFILE - ADDITIONAL CAPTION INFORMATION A note written by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit at Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem is seen in their guestbook May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict, on his first visit to Israel, said on Monday that the suffering of six million Jews murdered by Nazi Germany in the Holocaust must never be denied or forgotten. The note reads, "His mercies are not spent", the Book of Lamentations (3:22). REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS)

never perish! May their suffering never be denied, belittled or forgotten! And may all people of goodwill remain vigilant in rooting out from the heart of man anything that could lead to tragedies such as this!

The Catholic Church, committed to the teachings of Jesus and intent on imitating his love for all people, feels deep compassion for the victims remembered here. Similarly, she draws close to all those who today are subjected to persecution on account of race, color, condition of life or religion - their sufferings are hers, and hers is their hope for justice. As Bishop of Rome and Successor of the Apostle Peter, I reaffirm - like my predecessors - that the Church is committed to praying and working tirelessly to ensure that hatred will never reign in the hearts of men again. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the God of

peace (cf. Ps 85:9).

The Scriptures teach that it is our task to remind the world that this God lives, even though we sometimes find it difficult to grasp his mysterious and inscrutable ways. He has revealed himself and continues to work in human history. He alone governs the world with righteousness and judges all peoples with fairness (cf. Ps 9:9).

Gazing upon the faces reflected in the pool that lies in stillness within this memorial, one cannot help but recall how each of them bears a name. I can only imagine the joyful expectation of their parents as they anxiously awaited the birth of their children. What name shall we give this child? What is to become of him or her? Who could have imagined that they would be condemned to such a deplorable fate!

As we stand here in silence, their cry still echoes in our hearts. It is a cry raised against every act of injustice and violence. It is a perpetual reproach against the spilling of innocent blood. It is the cry of Abel rising from the earth to the Almighty. Professing our steadfast trust in God, we give voice to that cry using words from the Book of Lamentations which are full of significance for both Jews and Christians: "The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness.

My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Good is the Lord to the one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord" (Lam 3:22-26).

My dear friends, I am deeply grateful to God and to you for the opportunity to stand here in silence: a silence to remember, a silence to pray, a silence to hope.

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German Pope’s Past Misrepresented Flurry Over "Hitler Youth" Issue Overshadows Message

JERUSALEM, MAY 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A Vatican spokesman is clarifying that young Joseph Ratzinger's mandatory enrollment with Hitler's youth organization "had no role in his life."

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, responded to a flurry of criticism that arose in the Israeli press after the Pope's visit Monday to the Yad Vashem.

Among the issues dredged up was Joseph Ratzinger's relationship with the Nazis. Even an Israeli government official was quoted as making much of the Holy Father's nationality: "The Pope [at Yad Vashem] spoke like a historian, as somebody observing from the sidelines, about things that shouldn't happen.

But what can you do? He was part of them,"

said Parliament speaker Reuven Rivlin.

Others took issue with the Pope having used the word "killed" instead of "murdered," and other similar points.

This led Father Lombardi to say at a press conference today in Jerusalem, "I have read something that is not true. The Pope never, never formed part of the Hitlerjugend, which was a corps of fanatic and ideological volunteers."

The spokesman later clarified his own statement because the Pope's enrollment in the Hitler Youth was explained by Joseph Ratzinger himself in "Salt of the Earth." There he says he was automatically enrolled in the organization, though he did not participate in it.

In the book, Cardinal Ratzinger explains: "Q: Were you in the Hitler Youth?

"A: At first we weren't, but when the compulsory Hitler Youth was introduced in 1941, my brother was obliged to join. I was still too young, but later, as a seminarian, I was registered in the HY. "As soon as I was out of the seminary, I never went back. And that was difficult, because of the tuition reduction, which I really needed, was tied to proof of attendance at the HY. "Thank goodness, there was a very understanding mathematics teacher. He himself was a Nazi but an honest man, who said to me, 'Just go once and get the document so that we have it ...'

"When he saw that I simply didn't want to, he said, 'I understand, I'll take care of it,' and so I was able to stay free of it."

Prejudices Father Lombardi also responded to some of the

other criticisms, such as that the Pope mentioned "millions" of Jews and not "six million," or that he did not make reference to his own German roots.

"In the discourse at Yad Vashem," Father Lombardi noted, "he chose the theme of memory and developed the idea of a name."

The speech was not a treatise on the Holocaust, the spokesman added, and pointed to other discourses where the Pope has mentioned Germany and his past, and Nazism.

"He can't mention everything every time he speaks," Father Lombardi remarked.

"Moreover in the morning, he had already said that six million Jews died and that we can't forget, and that there is still anti-Semitism," the spokesman said, referring to the Holy Father's first address in Israel at the Tel Aviv airport, delivered just hours before his visit to the Yad Vashem.

Father Lombardi commented that Benedict XVI does not get offended when the press alters or takes issue with his words.

"He does not react superficially or immediately," the spokesman said. "He is very patient and is ready to listen to the others -everyone can voice their ideas. It's true, he feels that he has not been understood, and I feel the same, but we know how the world is and how attitudes are. There is not always a willingness to understand well; sometimes there are prejudices and not everyone is open to an attitude of readiness to listen."

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A German Pope at The Holocaust Memorial Message Takes on Greater Significance, Suggest Aide

By Mercedes de la Torre JERUSALEM, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).Benedict XVI's visit to Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial today represents a strong message for the entire Church, according to a Vatican aide accompanying the Holy Father on his weeklong pilgrimage.

Father Caesar Atuire, the delegate administrator of Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, spoke with ZENIT about the Pope's arrival today in Israel and the events on the Holy Father's schedule during this, the third full day of his Holy Land pilgrimage.

The Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi is the Vatican institution whose mission is to evangelize through pastoral tourism and the ministry of pilgrimage.

Father Atuire said he considered choosing the Yad Vashem as one of the first stops in Israel to be a courageous move.

In a moving address focused on the importance of a name, Benedict XVI said at the memorial, "Gazing upon the faces reflected in the pool that lies in stillness within this memorial, one cannot help but recall how each of them bears a name. I can only imagine the joyful expectation of their parents as they anxiously awaited the birth of their children. What name shall we give this child? What is to become of him or her?

Who could have imagined that they would be condemned to such a deplorable fate!"

Father Atuire declared that the Pope's words were not merely his personal reflections, but delivered as the head of the Church.

"The Catholic Church rejects all that is violence," he said, "and I think that, in this

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moment in which the Pope is visiting this country, it is appropriate to say that all of us have the mission that the Holy Father presented in his discourse: to work so that these tragedies do not happen again in the history of humanity."

Furthermore, Father Atuire continued, "the Pope is German, the nation to which belonged the Nazis who organized the Holocaust."

His national origin, the priest suggested, gives even greater weight to his message and his pilgrimage to the holy places.

His words are particularly eloquent when he says, "we do not want these things to be repeated, and faced with the horror of what happened, we have to learn to do everything we can so that this world can be a better world," Father Atuire proposed.

In this context, the priest contended that the first leg of the Pope's pilgrimage in Jordan was a good example of this message.

"Jordan is a country where Christians, Muslims and the other religions coexist in peace," he said, noting that "in that nation, though the Christians are a tiny minority, they have an important role from the perspective of works of charity and also from the perspective of education and culture.�

Pope Benedict XVI (C) observes a moment of silence after laying a wreath during a ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem May 11, 2009. Pope Benedict on Monday said at Israel's memorial to 6 million Jews killed by Nazi Germany that their suffering must never be denied, a message that addressed Jewish anger over a Holocaust-denying bishop.

REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY)

What The Pope is Up To Secular Press Is Overlooking Jewels

JERUSALEM, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).Legionary of Christ Father Thomas D. Williams, (www.thomasdwilliams.com), an American theologian living in Rome, is providing commentary for CBS News on Benedict XVI's historic visit to the Holy Land. He will be offering a chronicle of his trip for ZENIT as well.

The following is Father Williams' first posting. *** I arrived in Israel on Sunday night, in order to be here for Benedict's arrival on Monday morning. Israel's proverbially tight security has been even further beefed up for the Holy Father's visit, yet despite the ubiquitous police and cameras, we were able to pass through the airport with only minimal delays. Fortunately I hadn't been in Mexico in the last week, since signs instructed those who had to report to the airport clinic for swine-flu screening.

Jerusalem is only 30 miles from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, so the trip into the city didn't take more than 45 minutes. My taciturn driver Hezi pointed out occasional landmarks along the way (including his own neighborhood) as we rumbled along the highway in his beaten-up white Subaru, but he became downright jovial when I told him that no, I didn't mind if he smoked in the car.

When the Holy City of Jerusalem itself appeared on the horizon, rising out of the landscape like a Mediterranean-white version of the Emerald City of Oz, it took my breath away. This is only my second visit to the Holy Land, and there is something about walking where Jesus walked and looking upon the city that he loved so deeply that eludes description.

The city is decked out for the Pope's visit, with yellow and white papal flags lining the main avenue around the Old City, interspersed with white flags of the State of Israel emblazoned with the blue Star of David. Papal emblems aren't the only seasonal signs to be seen, of course, and several billboards announce the opening of Ron Howard's screen version of "Angels and Demons." Everywhere here the sacred and the profane stand side by side.

Much has happened already on this papal pilgrimage prior to the Pope's arrival this morning in Israel. He has spent a fruitful three days in the Kingdom of Jordan, where he visited Mount Nebo, whence Moses gazed across the Jordan River to the Promised Land, as well as the Al-Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, where he offered a brilliantly crafted address concerning interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

This brings me to a recurring reflection I've been having these days. Many people only get wind of what Pope Benedict says or writes when some phrase or action of his causes an uproar and gets picked up by the secular media. This leads to a very one-sided and unfairly negative vision of what Benedict is up to as Pope. So most everyone knows that a 2006 comment of his in Regensburg, Germany, upset Muslims, and that he lifted the excommunication of four schismatic bishops, one of whom was a Holocaust denier, yet few have read his encyclicals on love and hope, or heard his addresses on St. Paul and the early Church Fathers.

Yesterday Benedict celebrated an outdoor Mass in Amman's International Stadium where another such jewel escaped the attention of the media. In this predominantly Muslim country Benedict chose to offer an extended reflection on the dignity of women, referring to their "prophetic charism," and commending them as "bearers of love, teachers of mercy and artisans of peace."

"By its public witness of respect for women," Benedict continued, "the Church in the Holy Land can make an important contribution to the advancement of a culture of true humanity and the building of the civilization of love."

On arriving in Israel this morning Benedict wasted no time in allaying any residual doubts regarding his stance on the Jewish Holocaust.

In his very first address, while still at the Tel Aviv airport, the Pope said the following: "It is right and fitting that, during my stay in Israel, I will have the opportunity to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah, and to pray that humanity will never again witness a crime of such magnitude.

Sadly, anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head in many parts of the world. This is totally unacceptable. Every effort must be made to combat anti-Semitism wherever it is found, and to promote respect and esteem for the members of every people, tribe, language and nation across the globe."

Benedict clearly doesn't want a shadow of a doubt to remain regarding his repugnance for anti-Semitism, and he is seeking to quickly slay that dragon before it rears its ugly head.

One hopes that his evident goodwill will receive reciprocal goodwill from all those who hear him.

Benedict's poignant visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial later this afternoon offered further confirmation of his commitment to furthering Jewish-Christian relations, and to offering a united stand in favor of human rights. I spoke with a number of Jews on the street after the meeting and most were pleased with the way things had transpired, though one fellow told me that the Pope should have said that millions of Jews were "murdered" and not "killed." I honestly have some trouble reaching this level of semantic hair-splittling, but obviously he thought it was important.

So far the Pope has not only avoided problems in his various Holy Land activities, a low-bar goal that some had set for him; he has proactively pursued a much higher road, challenging his hearers to peace, justice, dialogue and mutual respect. Tomorrow expect more of the same.

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Religion Must Not Be Source Of Division, Says Pope Spokesperson Denounces Sheikh's Unscheduled "Negation" of Dialogue

Pope Benedict XVI (C) shakes hands with senior Palestinian Muslim cleric Sheikh Taysir al-Tamimi during a meeting with representatives of the organizations for the inter-religious dialogue in the Our Lady of Jerusalem Centre in Jerusalem May 11, 2009. al-Tamimi fiercely denounced Israeli policy in Jerusalem in the presence of Pope Benedict on Monday and appealed to the pope to help end what he called the "crimes" of the Jewish state. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (ISRAEL RELIGION POLITICS)

JERUSALEM, MAY 11, 2009 (Zenit.org).Benedict XVI affirmed that religious differences should not be a cause of division, but rather an opportunity for encouraging others to follow God's ways.

The Pope said this today in a meeting with representatives of organizations for interreligious dialogue in the Holy Land, the last public act of his first day in Israel.

The Pontiff affirmed that it is necessary to respect religious differences and to promote all that unites us.

The meeting with Christians, Jews, Muslims, Druze and Samaritans took place in the auditorium of the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, created by Pope John Paul II for religious, cultural, charitable and educational programs.

In his speech, delivered in English, the Holy Father noted that "some would have us believe that our differences are necessarily a cause of division and thus at most to be tolerated."

He continued: "A few even maintain that our voices should simply be silenced. But we know that our differences need never be misrepresented as an inevitable source of friction or tension either between ourselves or in society at large."

Rather, Benedict XVI said, "they provide a wonderful opportunity for people of different religions to live together in profound respect, esteem and appreciation, encouraging one another in the ways of God." The Pope encouraged the meeting participants to "step forward with courage, respecting all

that differentiates us and promoting all that unites us as creatures blessed with the desire to bring hope to our communities and world."

Incident After the Pontiff's address, Sheikh Taysir Tamimi, supreme judge of the Islamic Courts of Jerusalem, took the podium although he was not in the program, and launched a verbal attack against Israel in Arabic.

While the sheikh was speaking, amid the general surprise, two Jews left their seats. The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal, went forward to stop him. The Pope, not understanding Arabic, did not know what the sheikh said.

Afterward, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, issued a statement confirming that the intervention of the sheikh "was not scheduled by the organizers of the meeting."

He stated: "In a meeting dedicated to dialogue this intervention was a direct negation of what a dialogue should be. We hope that such an incident will not damage the mission of the Pope aiming at promoting peace and also interreligious dialogue, as he has clearly affirmed in many occasions during this pilgrimage."

The Vatican spokesman expressed the hope that "interreligious dialogue in the Holy Land will not be compromised by this incident."

Benedict XVI's apostolic visit to the region will last through Friday.

--- --- —

"We See the Possibility of a Unity Which Is Not Dependent Upon Uniformity” Dear Brother Bishops, Distinguished Religious Leaders, Dear Friends, It is a source of great joy for me to meet with you this evening. I wish to thank His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal for his kind words of welcome spoken on behalf of everyone present. I reciprocate the warm sentiments expressed and gladly greet all of you and the members of the groups and organizations you represent.

The question naturally arises then as to what contribution religion makes to the cultures of the world against the backdrop of rapid globalization. Since many are quick to point out the readily apparent differences between religions, as believers or religious persons we are presented with the challenge to proclaim with clarity what we share in common.

Abraham’s first step in faith, and our steps to or from the synagogue, church, mosque “God said to Abram, ‘Go from or temple, tread the path of Pope Benedict XVI (C) meets Christian, Muslim and Jewish clergy at the Notre Dame hotel in Jerusalem May 11, our single human history, your country, your kindred and your father’s house for a 2009. A senior Palestinian Muslim cleric, Sheikh Taysir al-Tamimi (3rd R), fiercely denounced Israeli policy in unfolding along the way, we Jerusalem in the presence of Pope Benedict on Monday and appealed to the pope to help end what he called the land I shall show you’… so "crimes" of the Jewish state. The speech, at the end of the meeting, angered both the Vatican and Israel's chief might say, to the eternal Abram went… and took his rabbinate, which said it would boycott the dialogue forum until the Palestinians barred the cleric. REUTERS/Ammar Jerusalem (cf. Rev 21:23).

Awad (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS) wife Sarah with him” (Gen Similarly, every culture with 12:1-5). God’s irruptive call, its inner capacity to give and which marks the beginning of receive gives expression to the one human the history of our faith traditions, was heard in Today, nearly four thousand years after nature. Yet, the individual is never fully the midst of man’s ordinary daily existence. And Abraham, the encounter of religions with expressed through his or her own culture, but the history that ensued was shaped, not in culture occurs not simply on a geographical transcends it in the constant search for isolation, but through the encounter with plane. Certain aspects of globalization and in something beyond. From this perspective, dear Egyptian, Hittite, Sumerian, Babylonian, particular the world of the internet have created friends, we see the possibility of a unity which Persian, and Greek cultures. a vast virtual culture, the worth of which is as is not dependent upon uniformity. While the varied as its countless manifestations. differences we explore in inter-religious Faith is always lived within a culture. The Undoubtedly much has been achieved to create dialogue may at times appear as barriers, they history of religion shows that a community of a sense of closeness and unity within the worldneed not overshadow the common sense of believers proceeds by degrees of faithfulness to wide human family. Yet, at the same time, the awe and respect for the universal, for the God, drawing from and shaping the culture it boundless array of portals through which people absolute and for truth, which impel religious meets. This same dynamic is found in individual so readily access undifferentiated sources of peoples to converse with one another in the believers from the great monotheistic information can easily become an instrument of first place. Indeed it is the shared conviction traditions: attuned to the voice of God, like increasing fragmentation: the unity of that these transcendent realities have their Abraham, we respond to his call and set out knowledge is shattered and the complex skills source in – and bear traces of – the Almighty seeking the fulfillment of his promises, striving of critique, discernment and discrimination that believers uphold before each other, our to obey his will, forging a path in our own learned through academic and ethical traditions organizations, our society, our world. In this particular culture. are at times bypassed or neglected. way not only do we enrich culture but we

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shape it: lives of religious fidelity echo God’s irruptive presence and so form a culture not defined by boundaries of time or place but fundamentally shaped by the principles and actions that stem from belief.

demands, empty promises and false hopes that so often invades the very space in which God seeks us. Can we then make spaces – oases of peace and profound reflection – where God’s voice can be heard anew, where his truth can be discovered within the universality of reason,

Religious belief presupposes truth. The one who believes is the one who seeks truth and lives by it. Although the medium by which we understand the discovery and communication of truth differs in part from religion to religion, we should not be deterred in our efforts to bear witness to truth’s power. Together we can proclaim that God exists and can be known, that the earth is his creation, that we are his creatures, and that he calls every man and woman to a way of life that respects his design for the world. Friends, if we believe we have a criterion of judgment and discernment which is divine in origin and intended for all humanity, then we cannot tire of bringing that knowledge to bear on civic life. Truth should be offered to all; it serves all members of society. It sheds light on the foundation of morality and ethics, and suffuses reason with the strength to reach beyond its own limitations in order to give expression to our deepest common aspirations.

Far from threatening the tolerance of differences or cultural plurality, truth makes consensus possible and keeps public debate rational, honest and accountable, and opens the gateway to peace. Fostering the will to be obedient to the truth in fact broadens our concept of reason and its scope of application, and makes possible the genuine dialogue of cultures and religions so urgently needed today.

where every individual, regardless of dwelling, or ethnic group, or political hue, or religious belief, can be respected as a person, as a fellow human being? In an age of instant access to information and social tendencies which engender a kind of monoculture, deep reflection against the backdrop of God’s presence will embolden reason, stimulate creative genius, facilitate critical appreciation of cultural practices and uphold the universal value of religious belief.

Each one of us here also knows, however, that God’s voice is heard less clearly today, and reason itself has in so many instances become deaf to the divine. Yet that “void” is not one of silence. Indeed, it is the din of egotistical

Friends, the institutions and groups that you represent engage in inter-religious dialogue and the promotion of cultural initiatives at a wide range of levels. From academic institutions – and here I wish to make special mention of the

-------------------------------------Can we then make spaces – oases of peace and profound reflection – where God’s voice can be heard anew, where his truth can be discovered within the universality of reason, where every individual, regardless of dwelling, or ethnic group, or political hue, or religious belief, can be respected as a person, as a fellow human being?

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outstanding achievements of Bethlehem University – to bereaved parents groups, from initiatives through music and the arts to the courageous example of ordinary mothers and fathers, from formal dialogue groups to charitable organizations, you daily demonstrate your belief that our duty before God is expressed not only in our worship but also in our love and concern for society, for culture, for our world and for all who live in this land.

Some would have us believe that our differences are necessarily a cause of division and thus at most to be tolerated. A few even maintain that our voices should simply be silenced. But we know that our differences need never be misrepresented as an inevitable source of friction or tension either between ourselves or in society at large. Rather, they provide a wonderful opportunity for people of different religions to live together in profound respect, esteem and appreciation, encouraging one another in the ways of God. Prompted by the Almighty and enlightened by his truth, may you continue to step forward with courage, respecting all that differentiates us and promoting all that unites us as creatures blessed with the desire to bring hope to our communities and world. May God guide us along this path!

Pontiff Speaks to Muslims of Love for God, Neighbor Visits Site Dear to 3 Monotheistic Religions PONTIFF SPEAKS TO MUSLIMS OF LOVE FOR GOD, NEIGHBOR Visits Site Dear to 3 Monotheistic Religions

Pope Benedict XVI (2nd R) walks in front of the Dome of the Rock, on the compound known to Muslims as al-Haram alSharif (Noble Sanctuary) and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City May 12, 2009, in this picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO). Pope Benedict visited holy sites in Jerusalem at the heart of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict on Tuesday as part of a pilgrimage beset by Jewish disappointment over his remarks on the Holocaust.

REUTERS/Atta Awissat/GPO/Handout (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS

JERUSALEM, MAY 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).Benedict XVI says he wants Christian-Muslim dialogue to explore how the oneness of God is tied to the unity of the human family.

The Pope reflected today on how fidelity to God leads to a recognition that humans are interrelated when he addressed Muslim leaders during his visit to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

The Holy Father is on the fourth full day of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He returns to Rome on Friday.

Reflecting on the spiritual significance of the site, the Pontiff said: "Here the paths of the world's three great monotheistic religions meet, reminding us what they share in common. Each believes in One God, creator and ruler of all.

Each recognizes Abraham as a forefather, a man of faith upon whom God bestowed a special blessing. Each has gained a large following throughout the centuries and inspired a rich spiritual, intellectual and cultural patrimony."

The area of the Temple Mount is important for Christianity, Judaism and Islam. There, Solomon built the temple and Herod rebuilt it. It is the site of two mosques, and Muslims consider it the third pilgrimage site, after Mecca and Medina, and the place where the prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. Christians recognize it as the place where Christ spoke of

the destruction of the Temple.

The golden-domed, octagonal-shaped Dome of the Rock is the oldest extant Muslim monument in the Holy Land. The Pope was greeted there by the grand mufti of Jerusalem, Muhammad Ahmad Hussein.

Benedict XVI said the site "challenges men and women of goodwill to work to overcome misunderstandings and conflicts of the past and to set out on the path of a sincere dialogue aimed at building a world of justice and peace for coming generations."

A fulcrum The Holy Father acknowledged the temptation to be ambivalent about a possibility of success in interreligious dialogue.

"Yet," he said, "we can begin with the belief that the One God is the infinite source of justice and mercy, since in him the two exist in perfect unity. Those who confess his name are entrusted with the task of striving tirelessly for righteousness while imitating his forgiveness, for both are intrinsically oriented to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the human family."

The Pope said it is for this reason that those "who adore the One God should show themselves to be both grounded in and directed towards the unity of the entire human family."

He explained: "In other words, fidelity to the One God, the Creator, the Most High, leads to the recognition that human beings are fundamentally interrelated, since all owe their very existence to a single source and are pointed towards a common goal. Imprinted

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with the indelible image of the divine, they are called to play an active role in mending divisions and promoting human solidarity."

The Pontiff asserted that "love for the One God and charity towards ones neighbor thus become the fulcrum around which all else turns."

"As Muslims and Christians further the

respectful dialogue they have already begun, I pray that they will explore how the Oneness of God is inextricably tied to the unity of the human family," he proposed. "In submitting to his loving plan for creation, in studying the law inscribed in the cosmos and implanted in the human heart, in reflecting upon the mysterious

gift of God's self-revelation, may all his followers continue to keep their gaze fixed on his absolute goodness, never losing sight of the way it is reflected in the faces of others."

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Dalam Kunjungan ke Dome Of Rock/al-Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount

Pope Benedict XVI (L) takes off his shoes during a visit to the compound known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and to Jews as Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City May 12, 2009, in this picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) REUTERS/Atta Awissat/GPO/Handout (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS)

In this photo provided Wednesday May 13, 2009 by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI visits the Dome of the Rock Mosque, in the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, also known to Jews as the Temple Mount, prior to a visit to the Western Wall, in Jerusalem,Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Others are unidentified.

(AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, ho)

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"Here the Paths of the World's Three Great Monotheistic Religions Meet" Papal Address to Muslim Leaders in Jerusalem reminding us what they share in common. Each believes in One God, creator and ruler of all. Each recognizes Abraham as a forefather, a man of faith upon whom God bestowed a special blessing. Each has gained a large following throughout the centuries and inspired a rich spiritual, intellectual and cultural patrimony.

In a world sadly torn by divisions, this sacred place serves as a stimulus, and also A Vatican flag is seen by the walls of Jerusalem's old city and its Dome of the Rock May 9, 2009. Pope Benedict's visit, billed as a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, is also a highly political tour of Jordan, Israel challenges men and and the Palestinian territories aiming to balance Vatican relations with Jews and Arabs and repair his women of goodwill to image in the Muslim world. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS) work to overcome misunderstandings and conflicts of the past and to set out on the path of a sincere JERUSALEM, MAY 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is dialogue aimed at building a world of justice the text of the address Benedict XVI gave today and peace for coming generations. in the "al-Kubbah al-Nahawiyya" building, after Since the teachings of religious traditions visiting the Dome of the Rock, the oldest ultimately concern the reality of God, the Islamic monument in the Holy Land, where he meaning of life, and the common destiny of was greeted by the grand mufti, Muhammad mankind -- that is to say, all that is most sacred Ahmad Hussein. and dear to us -- there may be a temptation to *** engage in such dialogue with reluctance or Dear Muslim Friends, ambivalence about its possibilities for success.

As-salรกmu 'alรกikum! Peace upon you!

Yet we can begin with the belief that the One I cordially thank the Grand Mufti, Muhammad God is the infinite source of justice and mercy, Ahmad Hussein, together with the Director of since in him the two exist in perfect unity. the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, Sheikh Mohammed Those who confess his name are entrusted with Azzam al-Khatib al-Tamimi, and the Head of the the task of striving tirelessly for righteousness Awquaf Council, Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, for while imitating his forgiveness, for both are the welcome they have extended to me on your intrinsically oriented to the peaceful and behalf. I am deeply grateful for the invitation to harmonious coexistence of the human family. visit this sacred place, and I willingly pay my For this reason, it is paramount that those who respects to you and the leaders of the Islamic adore the One God should show themselves to community in Jerusalem. be both grounded in and directed towards the The Dome of the Rock draws our hearts and unity of the entire human family. In other minds to reflect upon the mystery of creation words, fidelity to the One God, the Creator, the and the faith of Abraham. Here the paths of the Most High, leads to the recognition that human world's three great monotheistic religions meet,

beings are fundamentally interrelated, since all owe their very existence to a single source and are pointed towards a common goal. Imprinted with the indelible image of the divine, they are called to play an active role in mending divisions and promoting human solidarity.

This places a grave responsibility upon us.

Those who honor the One God believe that he will hold human beings accountable for their actions. Christians assert that the divine gifts of reason and freedom stand at the basis of this accountability. Reason opens the mind to grasp the shared nature and common destiny of the human family, while freedom moves the heart to accept the other and serve him in charity. Undivided love for the One God and charity towards ones neighbor thus become the fulcrum around which all else turns. This is why we work untiringly to safeguard human hearts from hatred, anger or vengeance.

Dear friends, I have come to Jerusalem on a journey of faith. I thank God for this occasion to meet you as the Bishop of Rome and Successor of the Apostle Peter, but also as a child of Abraham, by whom "all the families of the earth find blessing" (Gen 12:3; cf. Rom 4:16-17). I assure you of the Church's ardent desire to cooperate for the well-being of the human family. She firmly believes that the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham is universal in scope, embracing all men and women regardless of provenance or social status. As Muslims and Christians further the respectful dialogue they have already begun, I pray that they will explore how the Oneness of God is inextricably tied to the unity of the human family. In submitting to his loving plan for creation, in studying the law inscribed in the cosmos and implanted in the human heart, in reflecting upon the mysterious gift of God's self-revelation, may all his followers continue to keep their gaze fixed on his absolute goodness, never losing sight of the way it is reflected in the faces of others.

With these thoughts, I humbly ask the Almighty to grant you peace and to bless all the beloved people of this region. May we strive to live in a spirit of harmony and cooperation, bearing witness to the One God by generously serving one another. Thank you!

FACTBOX: Catholic - Muslim Relations JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Relations between Catholics and Muslims have improved markedly in recent decades after centuries marked by memories of the Crusades and Ottoman military campaigns in eastern Europe.

Here are some of the major step in that process: 1965: The Second Vatican Council said the Catholic Church regarded Muslims "with esteem" and urged both faiths "to forget the past and work sincerely for mutual understanding."

1968: Vatican begins sending Ramadan greetings to Muslims.

1989: Vatican begins occasional meetings with World Islamic Call Society, major Muslim mission organization based in Libya.

1994: Tehran's department for interreligious dialogue meets with its Vatican counterpart.

1995: Catholic-Muslim Liaison Committee begins discussions on current issues between the Vatican and four large Muslim organizations.

1998: Vatican and al-Azhar University in Cairo agree to hold annual meetings to discuss topical issues from both perspectives.

2001: John Paul II becomes first pope to visit a mosque, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

2002: Vatican and World Islamic Call Society in Libya agree on annual meetings.

2006: Pope Benedict's Regensburg lecture on September 12 suggests Islam is violent and unreasonable. Protests, sometimes bloody, break out in the Muslim world and the pontiff is forced to apologize for any misunderstanding. A group of 38 Muslim intellectuals write him to correct his views on Islam.

On November 30, Pope Benedict visits the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and prays alongside the city's grand mufti.

2007: Having no response from the Vatican, the 38 scholars gather 138 Muslim experts in the "Common Word" appeal for all Christian churches to join a dialogue with them about common values of both faiths to love God and neighbor.

2008: "Common Word" experts meet Vatican

officials at first Catholic-Muslim Forum featuring wide-ranging theological discussions.

2009: April 27: Vatican and Arab League sign agreement to promote dialogue, justice and peace.

May 9: Pope Benedict visits the King Hussein Mosque in Amman and urges further dialogue between Catholics and Muslims in a speech well received in the Muslim world, except for some Islamists who say it cannot undo the damage of Regensburg.

May 12: Pope Benedict visits Jerusalem's Grand Mufti Muhammad Ahmad Hussein at the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina, and urges Muslim leaders to continue interfaith dialogue.

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Benedict XVI Turns Difficulty To Opportunity Father Atuire Reflects on Precedents in Pontificate

By Mercedes de la Torre JERUSALEM, MAY 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- In the pontificate of Benedict XVI, difficulties become moments for dialogue, says a Vatican aide.

Father Caesar Atuire, the delegate administrator of Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, spoke with ZENIT about some of the adversity touching

the Pope's weeklong pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

He pointed to an incident Monday during the Holy Father's meeting with interreligious dialogue leaders, when Sheikh Taysir Tamimi, supreme judge of the Islamic Courts of Jerusalem, took the podium although he was not in the program, and launched a verbal attack against Israel.

The Vatican immediately released a statement saying the intervention was "a direct negation of what a dialogue should be."

But Father Atuire reflected that "the same thing happened during John Paul II's visit in the same place nine years ago and today we have already forgotten about what happened."

"We have seen, moreover, that in the pontificate of Benedict XVI, the moments of difficulty become moments of dialogue, as has happened

with other incidents that afterward gave room for deeper encounters to resolve conflicts and prejudices, which sometimes have lasted centuries," he added.

Father Atuire contended that this is precisely the consequence to expect from the Pope's visit today to the Wailing Wall.

"Before this wall, we find ourselves before the temple that guards the presence of the one God, the God of the Jews, of the Christians and the Muslims," he said. "And I think that, in this sense, to go and pray precisely before the Western Wall is a way of saying that all of us are children of the one God and we try to follow what this God teaches us and thus we can find the way to live together, in harmony and peace.�

Benedict XVI Walks a Religious Tightrope Trying to Stay on Message Despite Criticism

By Father Thomas D. Williams, LC JERUSALEM, MAY 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- We woke up this morning in Jerusalem to newspaper headlines decrying the supposed inadequacy of Pope Benedict's remorse in his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial Monday and in his meeting there with six Holocaust survivors.

Complaints dealt more with omissions -- what critics thought he should have said -- than with what he actually said and did.

Despite his explicit remembrance of the Shoah in his first address in Israel and his unequivocal condemnation of anti-Semitism ("Every effort must be made to combat anti-Semitism wherever it is found"), a raft of reports claimed that he didn't go far enough. Some took issue with the fact that the words "Nazi" and "murder" didn't appear in his Vad Yashem address, while others felt that the Pope should have apologized for alleged Catholic complicity in the Holocaust. Others still blamed the Pope himself for having been drafted into the German army (though he later defected) and for showing too little emotion in his Yad Vashem speech.

One hardly knows where to begin in the face of this wave of criticism (I have only scratched the surface). It appears that some of the Holy Father's hearers would not be satisfied with anything the Pope could say or do, short of falling on his face and begging the earth to swallow him up in utter shame. In return for what seemed to me a sincere and humble overture of peace and reconciliation, the Holy Father has been taken to task as if he were personally responsible for Jewish suffering in the world.

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I struggled in vain to explain to several Israelis spirits. that the Pope isn't an outwardly emotional man, One person who at least ostensibly seemed so whatever outpouring of distress they more in sync with Pope Benedict was Israel's expected from him just doesn't correspond to president, Shimon Peres. In a striking passage his nature. I invited them to look more to the of his welcoming address to the Holy Father, he Pope's personal decision to address this issue so seemed to capture better than anyone the frankly, and to visit the Holocaust memorial as importance of this apostolic visit. "Spiritual the centerpiece of his first day in Israel (which leaders can pave the way for political leaders," he certainly wasn't required to do), as evidence Peres said. "They can clear the minefields that of his deep-felt concern. Unfortunately these obstruct the road to peace. The spiritual arguments fell into a void. leaders should reduce animosity, so that Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum political leaders do not resort to destructive passions are running just as high. This morning means." To those who criticize the papal trip as I received a blistering email message from a being ineffective and without "teeth," Peres' Christian in Gaza who had seen me on the words seemed incisive and clairvoyant. "We do evening news and who strenuously objected to not need more armored vehicles," Peres the nearly exclusive attention being given to the added, "but inspired spiritual leadership." This Jews in reports of this visit. His lengthy missive, is what Benedict is providing in spades to this titled "What about us?" enumerated a litany of troubled land. complaints against the treatment of Palestinians On a far lighter note, I have enjoyed my by the state of Israel. "Maybe you forgot," he frequent elevator rides throughout Jerusalem wrote, "that Israel was built on the blood and because of an ironic little plaque found inside. on the homes of thousands of Palestinian Rather that the Otis brand, elevators in Israel Catholics and Christians." He continued, "Maybe are predominantly manufactured by a you forgot that Israel is building an apartheid company called Schindler. And since British wall, a way worse than Berlin wall and the English is used here, elevator riders are carried South African one" -- and so the letter up and down, courtesy of "Schindler Lifts." continued on and on. *** For just a moment I felt a tiny sliver of what the Legionary of Christ Father Thomas D. Williams, Holy Father must be experiencing as he tries to an American theologian living in Rome, is navigate the tremendously difficult shoals of providing commentary for CBS News on high-strung religious sentiment that permeates Benedict XVI's historic visit to the Holy Land. this region. Like a spiritual tightrope walker, all He is offering a chronicle of his trip for ZENIT he needs to do is lean slightly to the left or to as well. the right and immediately he is labeled as insensitive or evil. Worse still, even when he does manage to strike the perfect balance, it still isn't enough. It seems that many observers couldn't care less about the Pope's actual intentions for this pilgrimage or with the positive content of his message, and instead run all his words and actions through a microscope in the search for something with which to find fault.

Despite all this, the Holy Father seems remarkably poised and serene, testimony to the depth of his spiritual convictions and his abundant confidence in the grace of God to bring much good out of this Graffiti saying 'Pope you are welcome in Palestine Benedict XVI' is seen on a wall near the separation barrier (in background) Israel has erected to wall off journey. His days are literally filled with activities, sometimes a different the West Bank's Palestinian areas, during his visit in the Aida Refugee camp in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The Pope is on venue every hour, and yet he a five-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo perseveres with unflagging good Cito)

Dalam Kunjungan ke Western Wall God of all the ages, on my visit to Jerusalem, the "City of Peace", spiritual home to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, I bring before you the joys, the hopes and the aspirations, the trials, the suffering and the pain of all your people throughout the world.

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, hear the cry of the afflicted, the fearful, the bereft; send your peace upon this Holy Land, upon the Middle East, upon the entire human family; stir the hearts of all who call upon your name, to walk humbly in the path of justice and compassion.

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him" (Lam 3:25)!

Here is the text of the prayer Benedict XVI placed in one of the cracks of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem today.

Pope Benedict XVI (R) visits the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City as Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinovitch (3rd L) looks on May 12, 2009. Pope Benedict visited holy sites in Jerusalem at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Tuesday as part of a pilgrimage beset by Jewish disappointment over his remarks on the Holocaust. REUTERS/Menahem Kahana/Pool (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY)

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“Our Two Communities Are Challenged to Engage People of Good Will at the Level of Reason" Benedict XVI Visit to The Grand Rabbinate JERUSALEM, MAY 12, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of Benedict XVI's address during a courtesy visit today to the "Hechal Shlomo" center, seat of the Grand Rabbinate, after he visited the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. *** Distinguished Rabbis, Dear Friends, I am grateful for the invitation to visit Heichal Shlomo and to meet with you during this trip of mine to the Holy Land as Bishop of Rome. I thank Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar and Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger for their warm words of welcome and the desire they have expressed to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship which the Catholic Church and the Chief Rabbinate have labored so diligently to forge over the past decades. Your visits to the Vatican in 2003 and 2005 are a sign of the good will which characterizes our developing relations.

Distinguished Rabbis, I reciprocate by expressing my own respect and esteem for you and your communities. I assure you of my desire to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the Holy See, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and Jewish people throughout the world.

A great source of satisfaction for me since the beginning of my pontificate has been the fruit yielded by the ongoing dialogue between the Delegation of the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel's Delegation for Relations with the Catholic Church. I wish to thank the members of both delegations for their dedication and hard work in implementing this initiative, so earnestly desired by my esteemed predecessor Pope John Paul II, as he said during the Great Jubilee Year of 2000.

Our encounter today is a most fitting occasion to give thanks to the Almighty for the many blessings which have accompanied the dialogue conducted by the Bilateral Commission, and to look forward with expectation to its future sessions. The willingness of the delegates to discuss openly and patiently not only points of agreement, but also points of difference, has already paved the way to more effective collaboration in public life. Jews and Christians alike are concerned to ensure respect for the sacredness of human life, the centrality of the family, a sound education for the young, and the freedom of religion and conscience for a

Pope Benedict XVI attends a meeting with Israel's Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Ammar and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger (not seen) at the Jewish Heritage Center in Jerusalem May 12, 2009. Pope Benedict visited holy sites in Jerusalem at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Tuesday as part of a pilgrimage beset by Jewish disappointment over his remarks on the Holocaust.

REUTERS/Kobi Gideon/Pool (JERUSALEM POLITICS RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY)

healthy society. These themes of dialogue represent only the initial phases of what we trust will be a steady, progressive journey towards an enhanced mutual understanding.

An indication of the potential of this series of meetings is readily seen in our shared concern in the face of moral relativism and the offences it spawns against the dignity of the human person. In approaching the most urgent ethical questions of our day, our two communities are

Pope Benedict XVI receives a gift during a meeting with Israel's Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Ammar (R) and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger (L) at the Jewish Heritage Center in Jerusalem May 12, 2009. Pope Benedict visited holy sites in Jerusalem at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Tuesday as part of a pilgrimage beset by Jewish disappointment over his remarks on the Holocaust. REUTERS/Kobi Gideon/Pool (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS)

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challenged to engage people of good will at the level of reason, while simultaneously pointing to the religious foundations which best sustain lasting moral values. May the dialogue that has begun continue to generate ideas on how Christians and Jews can work together to heighten society's appreciation of the distinctive contribution of our religious and ethical traditions. Here in Israel, given that Christians constitute only a small portion of the total population, they particularly value opportunities for dialogue with their Jewish neighbors.

Trust is undeniably an essential element of effective dialogue. Today I have the opportunity to repeat that the Catholic Church is irrevocably committed to the path chosen at the Second Vatican Council for a genuine and lasting reconciliation between Christians and Jews. As the Declaration Nostra Aetate makes clear, the Church continues to value the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews and desires an ever deeper mutual understanding and respect through biblical and theological studies as well as fraternal dialogues. May the seven Bilateral Commission meetings which have already taken place between the Holy See and the Chief Rabbinate stand as evidence! I am thus grateful for your reciprocal assurance that the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Chief Rabbinate will continue to grow in respect and understanding in the future.

My friends, I express again my deep appreciation for the welcome you have extended to me today. I am confident that our friendship will continue to set an example of trust in dialogue for Jews and Christians throughout the world. Looking at the accomplishments achieved thus far, and drawing our inspiration from the Holy Scriptures, we can confidently look forward to even stronger cooperation between our communities -- together with all people of good will -- in decrying hatred and oppression throughout the world. I pray that God, who searches our hearts and knows our thoughts (Ps 139:23), will continue to enlighten us with his wisdom, so that we may follow his commandments to love him with all our heart, soul and strength (cf. Dt 6:5), and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev 19:18). Thank you.

Pope Benedict XVI attends a meeting with Israel's Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Ammar and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger (not seen) at the Jewish Heritage Center in Jerusalem May 12, 2009. Pope Benedict visited holy sites in Jerusalem at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Tuesday as part of a pilgrimage beset by Jewish disappointment over his remarks on the Holocaust. REUTERS/Kobi Gideon/Pool (JERUSALEM RELIGION POLITICS)