The local Jewish community plans a ceremony in homage to Rabbi Toaff on Oct. 21.
«Over these 50 years he has known how to present himself as a spiritual guide and moral point of reference, playing a decisive part in the process of mutual understanding and cooperation between the Jewish community, the Catholic Church, other religious confessions, and the Italian state,» Italian President Carlo Ciampi said in a message addressed to the rabbi.
«I am certain that the witness you leave us will not fail to be valuable to defeat every new intolerance that threatens peaceful coexistence among men,» Ciampi added.<br>
Rabbi Toaff welcomed John Paul II in Rome´s synagogue in April 1986.
