I hope Pope Benedict proves to be a friend to the Eastern Orthodox because this is the part of Christianity that has suffered from Islam the most.
I have much respect for a man who recognizes that this Eastern Church problem is also a Western Church problem as well.
The pope continues to show his friendship to the Eastern Orthodox Churches. He traveled to Turkey and joined the Patriarch for the Divine Liturgy. Last week, he invited Patriarch Bartholomew I to address the Synod on the Bible - an historical first.
The Holy Father is well aware of the persecution of christians taking place in Muslim lands. Who will ever forget the horrific murder of Chaldean Catholic priest, Fr. Ragheed Ghanni and his 3 deacons less than 2 years ago or that of Sr. Cecelia Moshi Hanna 6 years ago. Earlier this year, Chaldean Bishop Paulos Faraj Rahho died while being held by kidnappers. And this killing has now extended into the Eastern Catholic Churches in India, where radical Hindus have slaughtered the innocent, raped nuns and executed priests.
If anyone is aware of this senseless persecution, it is Pope Benedict XVI. He is one of the greatest theologians of our time. There is no pulling the wool over his eyes; he is steadfast in his commitment to finding a solution. But - you and I and everone else must have faith and be extremely patient. He is a man of dialogue and welcomes this opportunity to initiate it. Nothing fruitful is ever accomplished overnight. Let's watch and observe and pray for him.
Q: The Christians of the Middle East suffer, especially in Lebanon, Iraq and the Holy Land. Can we speak of a persecuted Church or of the persecuted part of the Church in general? What is your message for the Church of the West and what role it can play in this situation?
Cardinal Sfeir: The Church is the same everywhere, both in the East and in the West. The fact that Christians in the East face difficulties is nothing new. As I already mentioned, the Christians have passed nothing less than 500 years under the Turks, without being able to freely profess their faith, and still today this reality subsists. Emigration is spoken of. The faithful emigrate, without knowing if this situation will change or remain indefinitely. There is a proverb that says: "God doesn't change people as long as the heart remains the same."
We feel great sadness for the Christians in Lebanon, divided among themselves. They should unite their factions and take up a united position. Even today, among them, there are those who maintain that it is a useful situation, but divisions have never served for anything.
Q: How do you foresee that the synod of bishops will influence Christians and their situation in the Near East?
Cardinal Sfeir: The synod has a good impact on Christians. The whole synod is trying to regroup the various Christian realities and guide them toward the profession of the faith. The faith is something that invites us to the fear of Our Lord, and he who fears Our Lord acts according to his commandments, and puts effort into consolidating the relationship with him and with one's neighbors. There is not faith without love for neighbor. If there was not love for neighbor, faith would not be sincere.
Full Text