Jerusalem: A Holy City for three monotheistic religions

Of Benedict XVIs program in the Holy Land, Tuesday May 12th was the day that best demonstrated the significance of the Holy City for three monotheistic religions:The Pope began the day with a visit to the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount and to the Grand Mufti. He also visited the Western Wall, where he placed his written prayer, and the Great Synagogue. He then visited the Upper Room, the birthplace of the Church, where he prayed with the Ordinaries of the Holy Land.Afterwards was the visit to the Patriarchate of the Latins in Jerusalem. Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custodian of the Holy Land believes that the Pope has accomplished several important deeds that when seen as a whole convey a very clear message.In this context, if you join them together you get the impression that it is possible to communicate with serenity and at the same time continue to be rooted in your own history.There is diversity because there are different places with different identities and histories; however they can live side by side in peace. The Franciscan presence in the Holy Land emerged precisely from St. Francis dialogue with Sultan Malik al Kamil, nephew of Saladin. Profound bonds were also created with Judaism, because Christianity and Judaism are closely connected, not only because the have the same origin but also because they have common historical and cultural aspects.It is therefore clear that we must learn to love one another in everyway: to love each other as Christians and as Jews and not to be afraid of our own faith and identity. Our dialogue with others must not eliminate or even out diversity. It must grow in a peaceful and free way, in truth but also in love and respect for others.

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