Pope Francisco I has had a long and commendable reputation of working closely with the Jewish Community in his native Buenas Aires, as well as being a champion of the poor.
The new Pope sent a message to Rome’s Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, inviting him to his inaugural Mass at the Vatican on March 19 stating, “I sincerely hope to be able to contribute to the progress that relations between Jews and Catholics have enjoyed since the Second Vatican Council,” along with sharing his commitment to “a spirit of renewed collaboration.”*
This year, our Cantor, Chazzan Gabriel Fleischer will be returning from Buenas Aires for our High Holiday Services. Included below is a link to a picture captured during one of those collaborations the new Pope is so appreciated for, taken with our very own, Gabriel Fleischer.
Chazzan Gabriel Fleischer and Pope Francisco I
*via Jewish Federation of Rochester