Sunday Pope Benedict XVI visited Synagogue of Rome for the third time meeting with leaders of the Jewish community.

In his comments the Holy Father noted that “the Church has not failed to deplore the failings of her sons and daughters, begging forgiveness for all that could in any way have contributed to the scourge of anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism. May these wounds be healed forever.” In referring to the Holocaust, the Pope described it as “the apex of the path of hatred that begins when man forgets his Creator and places himself at the centre of the universe.”

Observing that in spite of their common spiritual heritage, Christians and Jews often remain unknown to one another, Pope Benedict noted “it is our duty, in response to God’s call, to strive to keep openthe space for dialogue, for reciprocal respect, for growth in friendship, for a common witness in the face of the challenges of our time.”