by David M. A. Jaeger

His opens to and institutionalization of dialogue with Orthodox Judaism substantially new. In his 2006 journey to Holy Land concrete indications for the search for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Rome (AsiaNews) - The Franciscan of the Holy Land Msgr. David-Maria A. Jaeger, long-time observer of religion, law and society in the Holy Land and the Middle East, today Prelate and Auditor of the Roman Rota, was for twenty years - until the spring of 2011 - the General Counsel of the Holy See negotiations with the State of Israel.

The Pontificate of Benedict XVI distinguished itself, among other things, in the development and institutionalization of inter-religious dialogue with Orthodox Judaism in Israel, a substantial innovation, the success of which is evidenced by the laudatory statements issued by both the Chief Rabbis of Israel on receiving word of the Pope's resignation.

It is also worth highlighting in reference to the Holy Land, the extraordinary achievement of the Pope's 2009 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which in fact comprised visits to the two national realities in conflict, Israel and Palestine. The Holy Father succeeded in making very specific and concrete points, on both sides, concerning the search for a just peace, and at the same time earn the respect and appreciation on the part of both nations in conflict.

The complete success of this, which was an admirable "squaring the circle", was clearly due to the Holy Father's obvious sincerity and goodness of will, which has gained him a high degree of credibility and singular respect from all people of good will present in both environments which are in opposition to each other.

More recently, namely with the Apostolic Exhortation, 'Ecclesia in Medio Oriente', which the Holy Father signed during his deeply desired visit to Lebanon during a particularly complex regional context, Benedict XVI gave the Church in the Middle East, including of course above all those who live and pray in the Holy Land, as it were a 'Magna Carta' for the new millennium, a program to follow and implement. Among his many valuable, authoritative indications, I would like to highlight, at this time, his challenge to the Church in the region to become a champion of women's rights, both within the Christian community and the community at large (cf. ibid., Nn. 60-61). This is a prophetic teaching of great value in a time when, in most parts of the Middle East Region there is a significant regression with regard to the equality of women's rights.

• vatican
• holy
• land
• israel
• palestine
• benedict
• xvi
• resignation