Pope stresses unity, ecumenism during World Youth Day.Cologne -- Over a million pilgrims turned out for the closing Mass of World Youth Day observances in this German city, capping several days of activities for Pope Benedict XVI  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. and throngs of youth. The Pope used the August 16-21 event to reinforce his emphasis on the importance of unity among Christians and dialogue with other faiths. During an hour-long visit to the Cologne Synagogue synagogue (sĭn`əgŏg) [Gr.,=assembly], in Judaism, a place of assembly for worship, education, and communal affairs. The origins of the institution are unclear. One tradition dates it to the Babylonian exile of the 6th cent. B.C. , the Pope made a commitment to continue "on the path to improved relations and friendship with the Jewish people." He also expressed sadness over new signs of a rise in anti-Semitism and pledged the Roman Catholic Church Roman Catholic Church, Christian church headed by the pope, the bishop of Rome (see papacy and Peter, Saint). Its commonest title in official use is Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. would be conscious of its duty to transmit to younger generations its condemnation of hatred, persecutions and demonstrations of anti-Semitism. During a half-hour meeting with German Orthodox and Protestant leaders, Benedict pointed out that fraternity among Christians is "grounded in the supernatural reality which makes us members of the one body of Christ
The Body of Christ is a term used by Christians to describe believers in Christ. Jesus Christ is seen as the "head" of the body, which is the church. " and that divisions among Christians "disappoint dis·ap·point v. dis·ap·point·ed, dis·ap·point·ing, dis·ap·points v.tr. 1. To fail to satisfy the hope, desire, or expectation of. 2. peoples' expectations." At a get-together with 10 Islamic leaders in Cologne, he stressed their responsibility in the formation of the younger generation, particularly in how that would "turn back the wave of cruel fanaticism Fanaticism See also Extremism. Adamites various sects preaching a return to life before the fall. [Christian Hist.: Brewer Note-Book, 8] assassins Moslem murder teams used hashish as stimulus (11th and 12th centuries). that endangers the lives of so many people and hinders progress to world peace." At the same time, Benedict said Christians and Muslims "must seek paths of reconciliation and learn to live with respect for each other's identity." At the closing Mass, it was announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Sydney, Australia in 2008. |
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