From Vaticannews · · 1m 20s
Pope Leo's note to Rome's Jewish community
A short telegram from Pope Leo XIV marks three Jewish autumn feasts and asks for deeper friendship in Rome.
In brief
A short telegram from Pope Leo XIV marks three Jewish autumn feasts and asks for deeper friendship in Rome. Small gestures carry the relationship: a telegram naming each feast by its own meaning does more for interreligious ties than a generic greeting. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
A telegram across Rome
Pope Leo XIV wrote to Rome's Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, and the city's Jewish community ahead of their autumn feasts.
“the entire dear Jewish community”
Three feasts, one greeting
The message covers Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot together, the run of solemn celebrations that opens the Jewish year.
“I hope that these celebrations may be an occasion of abundant blessings from the Almighty and a source of joy.”
Each feast named on its own terms
Rosh Hashanah gets peaceful renewal, Yom Kippur gets silence and inner light, Sukkot gets joy and fellowship. He wrote to what each day actually means.
“may the sacred silence of Yom Kippur be an occasion for peace and inner light”
Speaking for the whole Church
Leo renewed his own esteem and that of the entire Church, framing the greeting as institutional, not just personal.
A request, not just a wish
He asked the Eternal One for growth in mutual friendship, in Rome and worldwide. The ask goes beyond holiday courtesy.
“that we may grow in mutual friendship, in our city of Rome and throughout the world”
What the feasts mark
Rosh Hashanah is one of three New Years in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement. Sukkot is the Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles.
The big picture
Small gestures carry the relationship: a telegram naming each feast by its own meaning does more for interreligious ties than a generic greeting.
