Why is it important for Catholics to have this proof of the life of Jesus in non-Christian historical writings?

For Catholics and many Christians, having historical proof or references to the life of Jesus in non-Christian writings holds significance for several reasons:

1. Historical Validation: References to Jesus in non-Christian historical writings provide additional external validation of Jesus' existence and the events surrounding his life. They serve as corroborative evidence that supports the accounts found in Christian scriptures and reinforces the historical context of Jesus' life.
2. Credibility and Authenticity: Non-Christian sources mentioning Jesus provide credibility to his existence and the impact he had on society, especially when these references come from contemporaneous or near-contemporaneous sources. They contribute to the authenticity of the historical narrative of Jesus' life, teachings, and influence.
3. Interfaith Understanding: These references can foster interfaith understanding by acknowledging the broader recognition of Jesus' existence and influence beyond Christian beliefs. They serve as points of connection and dialogue between different religious perspectives and historical scholarship.
4. Scholarly Examination: Historians and scholars often study various historical sources to reconstruct the life and times of figures like Jesus. Non-Christian references offer additional materials for scholarly examination, analysis and interpretation regarding the historical context of Jesus and the early Christian movement.

While these references hold importance for many Catholics and Christians, it's essential to note that the primary basis for Christian beliefs about Jesus comes from the New Testament and Christian scriptures. However, non-Christian historical writings can complement and provide additional insights into the historical understanding of Jesus' life and the development of early Christianity.