VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI says despite difficulties there is “great respect” between Catholics and Jews, a few hours before his scheduled visit to a Rome synagogue.
The visit, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, has divided Jewish groups because of Benedict’s praise of wartime pontiff Pius XII.
Speaking to pilgrims and tourists from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Benedict said his visit to the synagogue would be a “further stop on the path of harmony and friendship between Catholics and Jews.
Benedict acknowledged difficulties but said there is a “climate of great respect and dialogue” between the two religions.
Critics contend that Pius didn’t do enough for Jews during the Holocaust, but the Vatican insists he used quiet diplomacy to save lives.
Full Story: Pope defends Pius against Jewish critics