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Benedict XVI at the Synagogue: Jesus also prayed at a place like this. Yesterday evening, Benedict XVI visited the Park East Synagogue in New York, a city where one and a half million Jews reside, the …More
Benedict XVI at the Synagogue: Jesus also prayed at a place like this.

Yesterday evening, Benedict XVI visited the Park East Synagogue in New York, a city where one and a half million Jews reside, the largest population outside of Israel. The visit on the eve of Passover, which was added to the program at the last minute, has caused enthusiasm and emotion. "I find it touching that Jesus, as a child, listened to the words of the Scriptures and prayed in a place like this," said the Pope, after his welcome by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, who has presided over the Synagogue since 1962. From his meeting with the Jewish people, Benedict XVI moved to Saint Joseph's Church, to greet representatives of the other historically Christian churches. Here he expressed great concern at the spread of religious sects and an individualistic, do-it-yourself Christianity. There he listened to a speech from the daughter of Martin Luther King, Bernice. Today in New York, Benedict XVI celebrates the third anniversary of his election to the Seat of St. Peter.