.- In a telegram sent to the Rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, Pope Benedict XVI predicted that his upcoming visit to the Roman Synagogue on January 17 will constitute a further “irrevocable step on the path of harmony and friendship” between Jews and Catholics.
In the message signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Holy Father responded to the Christmas greeting sent to him by Rabbi Di Segni. The Pope expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the rabbi and sent his “best wishes” for 2010.
The Pope concluded by expressing hope that the visit “increasingly develops the relationship between Jews and Catholics.”
