Vatican City, May 6, 2010 / 10:21 am
The Holy Father joined in the celebration of the birthday of the former rabbi of Rome, Elio Toaff, with a telegram on Monday. He recalled the rabbi's role in history of the Jewish community of Rome, his work towards improving inter-religious relations and his friendship with John Paul II.
Pope Benedict's message was read aloud by his personal secretary Msgr. George Ganswein during the ceremony to inaugurate the new Elio Toaff Foundation for Hebrew Culture in Rome.
The Holy Father stated his wish to join all those who celebrated the gifts with which "the mercy of the Most High" has blessed Rabbi Toaff along the course of his 95 years.
"I think, using the expressions of the Psalm, how the Lord restored your soul, leading you along the right path, even through the darkest valley, at the time of the persecution and extermination of the Jewish People.