Rabbi David Rosen: Like a family reunion

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Listen to interview on Vatican radio here

“There has never been a pope who has had as much intimacy, as much personal friendship, as much engagement with the Jewish community as Pope Francis,” Rabbi Rosen said.

The most important aspect of today’s meeting, he noted, was not what was said but rather what was experienced and felt in the meeting.

“That of course is the amazing power of Pope Francis, this charism that has enveloped him since he has ascended to the pontificate,” Rosen said.

“But it has a special significance in terms of the Jewish-Catholic relationship because we are not only coming to a friend but somebody who sees us as friends. And therefore, in a sense, it was a kind of family reunion. That was the feeling, it was a special family meeting.”

Despite what theological differences Jews and Catholics may share, Rosen said that this sense of seeing the Jewish people not just as the roots of Catholicism but as family has brought a unique affection and warmth that he said was “powerful”.

Shortly after the audience, Rosen said that he, alongside members of the American Jewish Committee, met with Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

While acknowledging that anti-Semitism is a problem that cannot be “fixed overnight”, Rosen said that the teachings of the Catholic Church affirm the validity of the Jewish community.

“Today, the official teaching of the Church is not only categorically opposed to anti-Semitism, but has defined it as a sin against God and man.

Before concluding his remarks, Rabbi Rosen reiterated Pope Francis’ final point in his address: the education of younger generations on the importance of Judeo-Christian relations. The relationship between the Jewish community and the Catholic Church in the United States, he noted, is one such example.

“Many here will tell you that [in the United States], not only are there close relationships with the Catholics, but probably the Catholic Church is seen as the closest friend of the Jewish community,” he said.

Regarding the Pope’s upcoming visit to the Holy Land, Rabbi Rosen said that although he would have wished the trip would be much longer, he was certain that the Holy Father “would do everything that has to be done.”

“Everybody is excited!” he said. "No matter how short, it is a guaranteed success. It will be received wonderfully and leave a greater hope for the future and that’s what we need in the Middle East.”

“Pope Francis’ visit”, he concluded, “will be an inspiration to the people of the Holy Land.”