Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has extended warm greetings to Rome’s Jewish community as it prepares to celebrate the upcoming High Holy Days of Rosh Ha-Shanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. In a telegram addressed to Dr. Riccardo Di Segni, the Chief Rabbi of Rome, the Pope emphasized the enduring friendship between Catholics and Jews in the Eternal City and called for a united witness to peace in a troubled world.
The Pope recalled with gratitude the presence of Rabbi Di Segni at the inaugural liturgy marking the beginning of his Petrine ministry on May 18. This, he noted, was a powerful symbol of the longstanding ties between the two faith communities in Rome. In his message, Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep appreciation for this bond and reaffirmed his desire to continue strengthening interfaith dialogue.
“I recall with gratitude your presence at the beginning of my Petrine ministry this past May 18,” the Holy Father wrote. “May the Eternal, in His great goodness, be close to your community and accompany all our efforts to deepen the bonds of friendship between us, in the city of Rome and throughout the world.”
Central to the Pope’s message was an appeal to work together in advancing peace. In a world increasingly marked by conflict, division, and intolerance, Pope Leo XIV reminded the Jewish community of Rome and, by extension, all faith communities that peace is not merely a gift to be prayed for, but also a responsibility to be actively pursued.
The Pope prayed that God would bestow on both communities “the gift of peace and an unceasing desire to promote it always.” His words highlighted the need for collaboration, mutual respect, and interreligious solidarity, particularly at a time when religious tensions often contribute to global unrest.
Relations between the Catholic Church and Rome’s Jewish community hold historic significance. Rome is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe, and successive Popes have worked to heal centuries-old wounds and foster dialogue. Pope Leo XIV’s message continues this trajectory, positioning interfaith friendship as a cornerstone of both local and global peace.
As the Jewish community in Rome prepares for the solemnity of the High Holy Days Rosh Ha-Shanah marking renewal, Yom Kippur centering on forgiveness, and Sukkot celebrating God’s providence the Pope’s gesture has been received as a reaffirmation of goodwill. His message serves as both a blessing and an invitation: to walk together, side by side, in building peace that transcends boundaries of faith and tradition.