Pope Francis visits Rome synagogue

View the visit here

The visit began with the laying of wreaths to commemorate the Jews deported from Rome during the Nazi occupation and Jews killed and wounded during a terrorist attack in 1982. Outside the synagogue, the Pope greeted a large number of Jews who had gathered to welcome him. Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni was waiting for the Pope at the entrance to the synagogue. Inside the packed synagogue, the Pope continued to greet personally tens of people. The applause was long and heartfelt as the Pope stood on the platform before the assembly.

The Pope was greeted by the leaders of the Jewish community and their speeches were followed by the speech of Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni. He said that three visits of three Popes “is considered in the Jewish tradition a powerful act”.

Addressing the Jews before him as brothers and sisters, Pope Francis noted how happy he was to be with them in this synagogue and thanked them for the warm welcome. “Toda Rabba, thanks!” he said. Noting that this marks his first visit to this synagogue as Bishop of Rome, he wished to express to those gathered, as well as to all Jewish communities, the fraternal greetings of peace of this church and the whole Catholic Church.

The Pope pointed out that Jewish-Catholic relations are very close to his heart. “Already in Buenos Aires, I used to go in the synagogues and meet the community gathered there, closely following the Jewish festivals and commemorations and giving thanks to the Lord who gives us life and accompanies us on the path of history.” Speaking about the visits of his predecessors, Pope Francis said: “Pope John Paul II, on that occasion, coined the beautiful expression ‘big brothers,’, and in fact you are our brothers and sisters in the faith.” Francis said. “We all belong to one family, the family of God, who accompanies and protects us as his people.”

“I express special gratitude to God for the real transformation that has taken place during the past fifty years in the relationship between Christians and Jews. Indifference and opposition have turned into cooperation and goodwill. Enemies and strangers, we became friends and brothers. The Council, with the Declaration Nostra Aetate, paved the way for saying “yes” to the rediscovery of the Jewish roots of Christianity and “no” to any form of anti-Semitism, and condemnation of all insults, discrimination and persecution."

Francis exhorted those gathered to pray with insistence to help us practice the logic of peace, of reconciliation, of forgiveness in Europe, the Holy Land, the Middle East, in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

The Pope also made special mention of those who survived the Shoah and were present in the synagogue. “Today, I wish to remember in a special way: their suffering, their worries, their tears should never be forgotten.” He continued: “Also, the past should serve as a lesson for the present and for the future. The Holocaust teaches us that we must always be of the utmost vigilance, to take prompt action in defense of human dignity and peace. I would like to express my closeness to each witness of the Holocaust still living; and I address a special greeting to those who are present here today.”

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. Shalom Alechem!”