Chief Rabbinate of Israel Statement on the Accession of Pope Francis
(Communicated by the Chief Rabbinate Spokesperson)
"Over the past twelve years there has been a rich and fruitful dialogue
between the Holy See and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel on primary issues
such as banning terrorism in God's Name, the sanctity of life, the sanctity
of the family unit, etc.
This dialogue has led to significant achievements over the years, such as
Holy See's decision to heed the Chief Rabbinate's request and suspend
Holocaust-denier Bishop Richard Williamson, and the modification of sections
of the Good Friday liturgy that were harsh and insulting towards the Jewish
People.
Especially memorable are the statements of Pope Francis's two predecessors,
Pope John Paul II
http://www.mfa.gov.il/PopeinIsrael/Israel-Vatican/Israel+welcomes+visit+by+Pope+John+Paul+II+-+March.htm
and Pope Benedict XVI
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Modern+History/Historic+Events/Pope_Benedict_XVI-Visit_Israel
that the Almighty has never broken his covenant with the Jewish People. It
has been stated by the Holy See that Jews are the elder brothers, and even
the parents, of Christian believers. Statements by the two previous Pontiffs
have played a significant role in the fight against anti-Semitism in Europe
and beyond.
The dialogue between the Holy See and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel was
welcomed and nurtured with personal involvement by the two previous
Pontiffs. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel is confident that Pope Francis,
whose good relations with the Jewish People are well known, will keep the
same spirit, and strengthen and develop the Roman Catholic Church's
connections with the State of Israel and the Jewish People."
For further details, please contact Chief Rabbinate Spokesperson Ziv Maor at
054-6555878 or maor.ziv@gmail.com
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