June 24 - Fight against secularism unites Jews, Catholics, Pope says

Christians and Jews can work together to challenge the contemporary problems of secularism and disrespect for the human person, Pope Francis told representatives of Judaism in a Vatican audience.

“Humanity needs our joint witness in favor of respect for the dignity of man and woman created in the image and likeness of God, and in favor of peace which is above all God’s gift,” the Bishop of Rome told members of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations June 24. “Friendly relations are in a way the basis for the development of a more official dialogue,” he added.

The audience with the Jewish leaders was also attended by Cardinal Kurt Koch, who is president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, as well as head of the Vatican's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, and members of that office. The Committee has held 21 meetings with Catholics so far, and Pope Francis said this has “certainly helped to reinforce mutual understanding and the links of friendship” between them. He welcomed their next meeting, which will be held in October in Madrid, which will consider challenges to faith in contemporary society.

Pope Francis told the members of the International Jewish Committee that he met with Argentine Jews on various occasions to discuss the challenges which Jews and Christians both face.

“But above all, as friends, we enjoyed each other’s company,” he said. “We were all enriched through encounter and dialogue, and we welcomed each other, and this helped all of us grow as people and as believers.”

“I encourage you to follow this path trying, as you do so, to involve younger generations,” he added.