Pope Francis has sent a message to the Jewish community of Rome as it prepares to celebrate the feast of Passover, April 22 -30. The Holy Father’s message was addressed to Dr. Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome.
In the message, Francis prays that God will accompany the Jewish community with “an abundance of blessings,” protects them and bestows peace. He also asked Rabbi Di Segni to pray for him and prayed that friendship continues to grow between the Catholic Church and the Jewish community.
Below is the Vatican-Radio provided translation of the Pope’s message:
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To the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Doctor Riccardo Di Segni,
In remembering with renewed gratitude our meeting on 17th January, when I was cordially welcomed by you and by the Jewish Community of the city in the Great Synagogue, I wish to express my most heartfelt wishes for the feast of Passover. It points out that the Almighty has released his beloved people from slavery and brought them to the Promised Land . May God also accompany you today with the abundance of his Blessings, protect your community and, in His mercy, bestow peace upon everyone. I ask you to pray for me, as I assure you of my prayers for you: may the Almighty allow us to be able to grow more and more in friendship.
Franciscus, PP.
21st April 2016.
[Courtesy of Vatican Radio]
