‘An Open and Sincere Dialogue’

“On one hand I have a sense of inadequacy and human turmoil at the responsibility entrusted to me [Tuesday].... On the other hand, I feel living in me a deep gratitude to God, who does not abandon his flock but guides them always.�

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Speaking of the late Pope John Paul II: “It seems I can feel his strong hand squeezing mine; I seem to see his smiling eyes and listen to his words, addressed to me especially at this moment: ‘Do not be afraid.’ �

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“I too ... want to affirm with decisive willingness to follow in the commitment of carrying out the Second Vatican Council, in the wake of my predecessors and in faithful continuity with the 2,000-year-old tradition of the church.�

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“[I am] fully determined to cultivate any initiative that might seem appropriate to promote contacts and understanding with ... different churches and ecclesial communities.�

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“I address myself to everyone, even to those who follow other religions or who are simply seeking an answer to the fundamental questions of life and have not yet found it. I address everyone with simplicity and affection, to assure them that the church wants to continue to build an open and sincere dialogue with them, in a search for the true good of mankind and of society.� *

“I declare the willingness of all Catholics to cooperate to achieve authentic social development which respects the dignity of every human being. I will spare no effort and commitment to continue the promising dialogue with other civilizations that was started by my venerable predecessors, so that a better future for everybody originates from mutual comprehension.�

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“I am thinking especially about the youths. My affectionate thought goes to them, Pope John Paul II’s privileged interlocutors, while, God willing, I wait to meet with them in Cologne on the occasion of the next World Youth Day. I will continue the dialogue with you, dear youths, future and hope of the church and mankind.�