Benedict XVI's intention to intensify the relationship with Israel and Judaism is based on complex theological concepts. The new pope, initially a student of Augustine's teachings, understands Christianity as a religion of fulfillment in which Israel's heritage is fully integrated. Therefore Israel, as part of the,,old alliance", has hardly anything new to offer to the Church. What exactly the content of any dialogue could be is even harder to determine as the new pope hardly recognizes the long history of previous (...) dialogues and meetings. Faced with the current world crisis, Benedict XVI does try to bring together the world's different religious forces and to begin a dialogue with the representatives of secular reason. What role the Jewish heritage can play in this constellation remains unclear. (shrink)