Official Statement of Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 7, 2000 (ZENIT.org).- A Vatican agency issued a statement today reminding Israelis and Palestinians that Jerusalem's spiritual patrimony belongs to the whole of humanity.
The statement by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, signed by its president, Cardinal Francis Arinze, refers to "the importance of the Holy City of Jerusalem for Jews, Christians and Muslims."
The Mideast has been gripped by confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians, ignited by Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon's entrance in the esplanade of the Jerusalem mosques.
The Vatican message also expresses solidarity "with all who have lost members of their families, and with all those who continue to suffer."
"We therefore appeal to the Jewish and Palestinian people to forgo violence and to take up once again that dialogue, which is the only way to true peace," the statement says. It concludes by saying that "religious leaders must be conscious of their responsibility in this matter."
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7. november 2000