INTERFAITH DIALOGUE – The challenge of peace. Rome celebrates the 60th anniversary of “Nostra Aetate” with meetings

In Rome, many events are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the landmark Second Vatican Council declaration “Nostra Aetate” (In Our Time). “Nostra Aetate” significantly changed the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian Religions, especially Judaism in the wake of the Holocaust. In these days of interfaith dialogue and debate, the Jewish world has been playing an active role. The Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, participated in the opening session of the “Dare to Peace” (“Osare la pace”) forum, organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the President of the Conference of European Rabbis, said that “peace requires the firm touch of a surgeon” and “the patient pen of a poet.” Peace also needs “the wisdom to see the other’s face not as an enemy, but as a traveling companion in the vast garden of God.” He noted that “King Solomon did not only build stone walls,” but also filled “the abysses of the spirit.” He concluded that his story teaches us that “it is easy to make enemies,” but that a king “with the heart of a child and the mind of a sage” is needed to build peace.

The “Nostra Aetate” anniversary was also celebrated in the Senate, with a conference organized by Senator Lucio Malan (People of Freedom Party). Lucilla Efrati, responsible for the UCEI communication, highlighted that “Nostra Aetate was not merely a formal gesture or a diplomatic concession. It was instead the opening of a new season of listening, respect, collaboration: a commitment that was translated in concrete acts.” Finally, Luigi Salvia, president of Religions for Peace/Italy indicated a way to sow peace in such difficult times. “In a time of darkness, it is not only obscurity that exists; something important can also be born. Within any dark, a light can emerge.” The interfaith meetings continue throughout the week.