When Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, the world saw the passing of a beloved and much-respected spiritual leader. Though his achievements were many and diverse, the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding (CCJU) of Sacred Heart University calls specific attention to his personal love and tireless labors of reconciliation toward the Jewish people, striving always for peace and understanding between our faiths. The loss of John Paul II is deeply felt and he will continue to be missed by all who remember his exemplary life.  

Now Pope Benedict XVI accedes to the chair of Peter and we at the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding extend our prayers to our brother in faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. In his new ministry of religious leadership, which will undoubtedly see formidable challenges in this age of global conflict and spiritual turmoil, we encourage the pope to continue the good work made possible by Nostra Aetate, the groundbreaking Second Vatican Council document which affirmed the shared spiritual patrimony between Jews and Christians. As the 40^th anniversary of this document arrives in the wake of John Paul II's achievements and symbolic gestures of good will toward Judaism, we trust that the maturing friendship between our two faiths knows no limits in its potential for healing and transformative cooperation.

Although the past 40 years, including the Second Vatican Council and the fine examples of Popes John XXIII, Paul VI and Pope John Paul II have indeed seen a springtime of renewal for Christians, Jews and all people of good will, we believe the seeds have been sown for an even brighter future. The CCJU will continue its work in fostering meaningful theological dialogue and collaboration between Christianity and Judaism, looking toward the freshly-begun ministry of Pope Benedict XVI for courageous leadership.

Anthony J. Cernera, Ph.D.
President, Sacred Heart University

Rabbi Joseph H. Ehrenkranz
Executive Director

David L. Coppola, Ph.D.
Associate Executive Director

Previous Page    Back to 2005 News & Events    Next Page

Font Size:  E-mail Page: Print Page: