Pope Francis wishes Rome’s Jewish Community a happy Pesach
April 15, 2014: Pope Francis has written to the Chief Rabbi of Rome to wish the Eternal
City’s Jewish community – and by extension the global community – a happy Pesach,
or Passover. A message signed by Pope Francis and addressed to Riccardo Di Segni reads:
“As the great feast of Passover approaches I would like to extend my most cordial
greetings of peace to you and all the Jewish Community of Rome. The memory of the
liberation from oppression by the strong arm of the Lord inspires thoughts of mercy,
reconciliation and fraternal closeness to all those who suffer under the weight of
new forms of slavery. Turning our thoughts to Jerusalem, which I will have the joy
of visiting in the near future, I ask you to accompany me with your prayers while
I assure you of my thoughts and invoke abundant blessings”.