" I believe, and I hope very much that the inter-religious dialogue line that was launched by John Paul II will continue. In our opinion, the example of the previous Holy Pontiff is very positive," Shayevich noted in a RIA Novosti interview on the day of the new Pope's election.
Shayevich bases his hopes on the fact that German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was elected as Pope Benedict XVI April 19 had always stayed together with Pope John Paul II. "Perhaps he was not one of his supporters. Nonetheless, he did learn his line and methods of work," Shayevich believes.
When asked how Joseph Ratzinger's personal qualities and his alleged conservatism could influence the Vatican's policies, Shayevich noted that "conservatism is unlikely to manifest itself in relations with other confessions."
According to Shayevich, John Paul II had shown that one could and must choose a way leading toward mutual understanding, reconciliation and cooperation that are quite essential at this time of global threats.
"We would expect nothing good in the future, if we forget historical examples, if we discard all achievements and if we revert to old-time forms of our relations that had brought nothing good in their time," Shayevich noted.
He reminded that John Paul II became the first Holy Pontiff to visit a mosque and a synagogue. "We are ready to support the line of John Paul II in every way," Shayevich said in conclusion.
