Pope Francis visited Rome’s Jewish Synagogue and gave an address, which was received with a standing ovation. He said that Anti-Semitism is always unacceptable, and that Catholics and Jews are ultimately one family addressing them as “brothers” and “sisters.”
The pope said that Catholic-Jewish relations were very close to his heart, having visited a synagogue in Buenos Aires, and that there is a special bond between the two communions because the roots of Christianity are rooted in Judaism. Therefore, he said, they are united by the same God, and have a rich, common spiritual patrimony.
Pope Francis is not the first pope to visit the synagogue in Rome. Pope John Paul II visited in 1986 and Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2010.
“I hope that more and more closeness, mutual understanding and respect grows between our two faith communities.”
The Italian Episcopal Conference had declared January 17, 2016 the “Day of Dialogue Between Catholics and Jews.”
The Jesuit pope pointed out that there had been a real transformation of the relationship between the Catholic Church and Jews since the Second Vatican Council. “Indifference and opposition have turned into cooperation and goodwill. Enemies and strangers, we became friends and brothers…” He added that “while professing salvation through faith in Christ,” the church must “recognize the irrevocability of the Old Testament and the constant and faithful love of God for Israel.”
Pope Francis concluded, praying, “May the Lord bless us and protect us. Make his face shine upon us and grant us his grace. Look upon us his face and grant us peace (cf. 6.24 to 26 Nm). Shalom Alechem!”
After the meeting, the Pope had a private visit with Rome’s Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, who said the Papal visit would be “providential” in light of worries over Islamic extremism and the heightened security.
And the Jews wondered after… See Revelation 13:3
Source Reference