Vatican assures Jews of its respect and esteem

Prayer that had been used as an excuse for anti-Semitism raises questions

How we worship

	Christianity Brazilians get baptized in Israel, a megachurch opens in Houston, and devotees carry a cross in the Philippines.
	Islam Whirling dervishes perform in Turkey, pilgrims gather in Mecca, and an elderly man is doused with holy water.
	Judaism Jews pray at the Mount of Olives, matzoh is baked in Brooklyn, and thousands of rabbis pose for a group photo.
	Hinduism and more Japanese ascetics hang from a cliff, Shinto believers pray in ice water and a 60-foot statue takes a colorful bath.

Video: Faith

More video

The year in religious sightings
Dec. 14: Willie Geist looks back at a year when Jesus and Jacko reappeared again and again.

Rick Warren forced out of silence on Uganda

Orrin Hatch pens Hanukkah tune

Uganda be kidding me…

Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill

Slide shows: Pope Benedict XVI

Pope in America
Images from the U.S. visit by Pope Benedict XVI

Benedict: The first three years

Benedict XVI is installed as pope

Benedict XVI is elected Pope

The life of Joseph Ratzinger

Video

Journey of faith
Meet Pope Benedict XVI, a defender of traditional Catholic values with a controversial German wartime youth.

NBC News Web Extra

Archival video

A look back: 1993 papal visit
NBC's Roger O'Neil recaps Pope John Paul II's August 1993 visit to the United States.

Today show

Most popular

updated 8:17 a.m. ET April 4, 2008

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has expressed its respect and esteem for Jews despite tension over a Good Friday prayer, issuing the assurances shortly before the pope begins a visit to the United States that includes a stop at a synagogue in New York.

Some Jewish groups had expressed disappointment over the prayer Pope Benedict XVI revived from the old Latin rite that had historically been used as an excuse for violence and discrimination against Jews.

The Vatican said Friday a landmark document of the Second Vatican Council continues to sustain bonds of esteem, love and cooperation between Catholics and Jews and repudiates any form of anti-Semitism.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

The pope will visit Manhattan's Park East synagogue during his April 15-20 visit to Washington and New York.