(ANS - Rome) - "The Jubilee should not be postponed. If we were to postpone it, we would be playing into the hands of the terrorists.   It is clear that their design is to create terror. And it is to this that we must not yield. (...) Rather, we must use the weapons of mercy and dialogue." This is how Bishop Enrico dal Covolo SDB, Rector of the Lateran Pontifical University, replied to those who fear that the Jubilee may become a target for attacks.

Bishop Dal Covolo was answering questions from Filippo Passantino of the Giornale di Sicilia. He availed of the opportunity to draw attention also to other specific aspects of this Jubilee:

"What is new about this jubilee is the total decentralization from Rome. This is not in a doctrinal sense because it is normal that the Jubilee starts from Rome and Rome remains its centre. The decentralization is in the celebration of the Jubilee. Each diocese is to have its own Holy Door. So, there is no need for great pilgrimages to Rome, because the Jubilee itself and all the indulgences linked to it can be gained in any diocese. (...). It is an interesting innovation that indicates the will of the Pope to reach out, so much so that the first Holy Door of the Jubilee to be opened by Pope is not in Rome but in Africa, during his apostolic visit.”

Then Bishop dal Covolo emphasized the theme of the Holy Year: "Pope Francis wants to put the issue of mercy on the agenda of the Church and society in this historical moment. Mercy is the most important element for a fruitful dialogue between religions, but also between cultures and societies. If we do not want to have recourse to weapons, there is only alternative - that of dialogue, which does not mean compromise.  Dialogue requires skill and determination. If we are not clear about where we stand, the dialogue becomes a fake. In my opinion, this second approach is the only viable one, because the other way always leads to a cycle of violence. However, superficial dialogue does not help anyone."

Finally, the Salesian Bishop announced that, as an exercise in sincere and constructive dialogue, the Pontifical Lateran University has organized a panel discussion to take place on 3 December next. Three of its professors and three professors from the University of Qom, the Shiite holy city in Iran, will share the understanding of mercy in the Shiite Muslim and Catholic traditions.

Published 24/11/2015