Pope Benedict XVI has asked Jewish Rabbi Shear-Yashuv Cohen to address next month’s World Synod of Bishops on the Word of God.

Rabbi Cohen, who is the grand rabbi of Haifa, Israel, is the first Jewish spiritual leader invited to speak at a world synod.

The Synod on the Bible will be held in Rome Oct. 5-26.

Rabbi Cohen, who is active in Jewish-Catholic dialogue, told Catholic News Service that the invitation from the Pope to participate is a “signal of hope bringing a message of love, coexistence and peace for generations.”

The Jewish spiritual leader said that it’s important for interreligious dialogues to discuss differences as well as common ground.

“One part of every dialogue is not only to speak to each other but also to listen to each other and respect his right to be different,” Rabbi Cohen said. “We can’t expect Christians to do that for us if we don’t do that for them.”

— Tom McFeely