Francis Writes Rome's Chief Rabbi

Notes Hope of Contributing to Progress in Jewish-Christian Relations

Vatican City, (Zenit.org) | 1977 hits

Just hours after his election, Pope Francis had a message delivered to Rome's Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni.

After informing Rabbi Di Segni of the inauguration Mass to take place March 19, the Holy Father said: "Trusting in the protection of the Most High, I very much hope to be able to contribute to the progress that relations between Jews and Catholics have experienced since the Second Vatican Council, in a spirit of renewed collaboration and at the service of a world that can be ever more harmonious with the will of the Creator."

The message is dated March 13, the day of Francis' election to the See of Peter.