To Representatives of the Swiss Federation of Israelite Communities (13 June 1984)

On Wednesday, 13 June 1984, the Holy Father spoke to the Swiss Federation of Israelite Communities, in Fribourg, saying that, “by allowing a certain deepening of our faith and an implementation of our common biblical heritage, [these meetings] contribute to reducing the prejudices and even the barriers still existing between Christians and Jews.”

Dear Gentlemen and Beloved Brothers,

It is certainly a joy for me to meet the representatives of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities. This is always the case during my apostolic travels throughout the world, at least whenever possible.

There is no need for me to dwell at length on the importance of these meetings. By allowing a certain deepening of our faith and an implementation of our common biblical heritage, they contribute to reducing the prejudices and even the barriers still existing between Christians and Jews. How, for their part, could Christians remain indifferent to the problems and dangers that concern you, if not in Switzerland then at least in many regions of the world? On the other hand, the teaching of the Christian Churches must take into account the results of the research carried out on this heritage that is common to us and on the roots of Christianity in the biblical tradition. This is a path to strengthening our dialogue. In this regard, I am grateful to the Representative of the Jewish Federation for having made a positive reference to the Institute for Jewish-Christian Research at the Catholic Faculty of Theology in Lucerne.

I would also have liked, dear Gentlemen and Brothers, to discuss with you a fundamental problem: that of peace. Does not the biblical shalom with which we are accustomed to greet one another in the countries of the East contain a call to our responsibility? In fact, we are all invited to work ardently for the good of peace. For its part, the Apostolic See continually strives to promote a peace that is based on justice, respect for the rights of all, the suppression of the causes of enmity, beginning with those that are hidden in the heart of man. It constantly recommends the paths of dialogue and negotiation. It has neither prejudices nor reservations of principle with regard to any people. It would like to be able to demonstrate its concern to all, to help in the development of each and every one, at the level of freedom understood in its most authentic sense as well as at the level of internal and external concord, and of the true goods capable of promoting every person and every society.

This is an ideal to which persevering dialogue and active and fruitful collaboration between Jews and Christians can contribute much. Allow me to conclude this brief fraternal meeting with the wish that you love so much: “Shalom aléijem”. It springs from my heart for you who have come to meet me, but also for your families, for the Jewish communities in Switzerland, for all those who are scattered throughout the world, for all people of good will.

© Copyright 1984 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

 Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana