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Pope Benedict XVI- Apostolic Journey to the Holy Land |
"We Are Not a Political Power, But Rather a Spiritual Force"
Press
Conference en Route to Jordan
H.H. Benedict XVI
Aboard the place en route to Amman, Jordan
May 8, 2009
Father Lombardi: Your Holiness, we thank you for granting us
an encounter with you at the beginning of a trip that is so
important and difficult. Among other things, you have given us as
well the opportunity to wish you a good trip and to tell you that we
will collaborate in disseminating the message that you wish to give.
As is habitual, the questions we now ask are the result of a
collection of questions posed by all the colleagues here present. I
ask them for logistical reasons, but they are in reality the fruit
of team work.
Your Holiness, this trip takes place at very delicate moment for the
Middle East: There are strong tensions -- during the Gaza crisis it
was speculated that you would not make this trip. At the same time,
a few days after your trip, the political leaders of Israel and the
Palestinian Authority will meet with [U.S.] President [Barack]
Obama. Do you think that you could contribute to the peace process
that now seems to be running aground?
Pope Benedict XVI: Good morning! Before all else, I would
like to thank you all for the work you have done, and I wish you all
a good trip, a good pilgrimage, and a good return.
Regarding the question, certainly I intend to contribute to peace,
but not as an individual, but in the name of the Catholic Church, of
the Holy See. We are not a political power, but rather a spiritual
force, and this spiritual force is a reality that can contribute to
the progress of the peace process.
I see [a contribution to be made on] three levels: As believers, we
are convinced that prayer is a true force. It opens the world to
God: We are convinced that God listens and that he can act in
history. I think that if millions of people -- believers -- would
pray, it could really be a force that could influence and contribute
to the advancement of peace.
Second point: We try to help in the formation of consciences. The
conscience is the capacity of mankind to perceive the truth, but
particular interests often block this capacity. And it is a big job
to liberate from these interests, to open more to the truth, to the
true values: It is a duty of the Church to help one to know the true
criteria, the true values, and to liberate ourselves from particular
interests.
And thus, the third point, let us draw reason in as well --
precisely this is it: precisely because we are not a political
party, perhaps too we can more easily, with the light of faith, see
the true criteria, help bring an understanding of what contributes
to peace and speak to reason, to support the truly reasonable
positions. And this we have already done, and we want to do so now
and in the future.
Father Lombardi: Thank you, Your Holiness.
Second question: As a theologian, you have reflected in particular
on the common roots that unite Christians and Jews. How is it
possible that, despite the efforts of dialogue, misunderstandings
often occur? How do you see the future of dialogue between the two
communities?
Pope Benedict XVI: The important thing is that in reality we
have the same roots, the same Books of the Old Testament that are --
as much for the Jews as for us -- the Book of Revelation. But
naturally, after 2,000 years of living a distinct history, even a
separate one, the fact that misunderstandings arise shouldn't be a
surprise. Traditions of interpretation, language, and thinking have
been formed that are very distinct, we could say a "semantic cosmos"
that is very distinct, in such a way that the same word for both
traditions signifies different things. And with the use of these
words that, in the course of history have taken on different
meanings, obviously misunderstandings are born.
We should do everything to learn the language of the other, and it
seems to me that we have made great progress. Today we have the
possibility of the youth, of the future professors of theology, who
can study in Jerusalem, in the Hebrew university, and the Jews have
academic contact with us: In this way an encounter of the distinct
"semantic cosmos" is made possible.
We learn mutually and we advance on the path of true dialogue, we
learn from one another and I am sure and convinced that we are
making progress. And this would also help peace, and what is more,
reciprocal love.
Father Lombardi: Your Holiness, in this journey you have two
essential dimensions of interreligious dialogue, with Islam and with
Jews. Is there a common message that has to do with the three
religions that make reference to Abraham?
Pope Benedict XVI: Certainly there exists a common message,
and there will be an occasion to present it and, despite the
difference of origins, we have common roots, because, as I have
said, Christianity is born of the Old Testament, and the writings of
the New Testament wouldn't exist without the Old, because it refers
permanently to Scripture, that is to say, to the Old Testament.
Islam was also born in an environment where Judaism and various
branches of Christianity, Judeo-Christianity, Antiochian-Byzantine-Christianity
were present, and all these circumstances are reflected in the
tradition of the Quran. In this way we have much in common from our
origins, in the faith in the one God. For that, it is important on
one hand to maintain dialogue with the two parts -- with the Jews
and with Islam -- and as well a trilateral dialogue.
I myself have cofounded a foundation for the dialogue between the
three religions where figures such as Metropolitain Damaskinos and
the chief rabbi of France, René-Samuel Sirat, etc. gathered. This
foundation also published an edition of the books of the three
religions: the Quran, the New Testament and the Old Testament. For
this reason the trilateral dialogue should go forward, it is very
important for peace, and as well for living one's own religion well.
Father Lombardi: A last question. Your Holiness, you have
often mentioned the problem of the decline of the Christians in the
Middle East, and also in particular in the Holy Land. It is a
phenomenon with various reasons of a political, economic and social
character. What can be done to help the Christians in the region?
What contribution do you hope to give with your trip? Is there hope
for these Christians in the future? Do you have a particular message
as well for the Christians of Gaza that will come to see you in
Bethlehem?
Pope Benedict XVI: Certainly there is hope, because now is a
moment, as you have said, that is difficult, but also a moment of
hope, of a new start, of a new impulse in the path toward peace, and
we want to encourage the Christians in the Holy Land, and in all of
the Middle East, to stay, to give their contribution to the
countries of their origins: They are important components of life in
these regions.
Specifically the Church, beyond words of encouragement, has schools
and hospitals. In this sense we have a very concrete presence. Our
schools form a generation that will have the possibility to be
present in public life. We are creating the Catholic University in
Jordan, it seems to me this is a great place where the youth -- both
Muslims and Christians -- meet, learn together, where a Christian
elite is formed that is prepared specifically to work for peace.
But generally, our schools are very important opportunities to open
up a future for Christians, and the hospitals show our presence.
Furthermore, there are many Christian associations that help
Christians in various ways, and with specific help they encourage
them to stay. In this way I hope that Christians are able to find
the value, the humility, the patience to stay in these countries, to
offer their contribution to their nation's future.
Father Lombardi: Thank you, Your Holiness, with these answers
you have helped to set the tone for our trip from a spiritual point
of view, and from a cultural point of view. I repeat the wishes,
also on behalf of all the colleagues here present, and on behalf of
those flying now to the Holy Land to help with the media end of this
trip, for the success of this difficult mission. Have a good trip
and, good work as well to all our colleagues.
[Transcription by Vatican Radio, Translation by ZENIT]
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