” “After recalling that "the unity (of Christians, editor’s note) is a gift of God and the fruit of the action of His Spirit", and that "this is why it is important to pray", the Pope highlighted that "in some countries, such as Italy, the Week of Prayer for the Unity of Christians is preceded by a day of Jewish-Christian reflection, which falls on this day, 17th January". Benedict XVI said that "for nearly two decades, the Italian Bishops Conference have devoted this day to Hebraism, in order to promote the knowledge and esteem of it, and to improve the relation of mutual friendship between the Christian community and the Jewish community", a relation he added "that has grown in a favourable direction after the Second Vatican Council and after the epoch-making visit of the Servant of God, John Paul II, to the High Synagogue of Rome" taken place in 13th April 1986. Then the Pope commented that "the Jewish-Christian friendship too, to grow and be fruitful, must be founded on prayer. Therefore, I invite everyone to raise, today, an insistent invocation to the Lord, so that Jews and Christians will respect each other, will esteem each other and will join forces for justice and peace in the world".” ” ” ” ” ” ” “
