Pope Leo XIV sent this Monday, September 22, a telegram to the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, on the occasion of the upcoming festivities of Rosh Ha-Shanah 5786, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
A cordial greeting to the Jewish community of Rome
In the message, the Holy Father expressed his “most cordial wishes” to the rabbi and to the entire Jewish community of the Italian capital. He gratefully recalled Di Segni’s presence at the beginning of his Petrine ministry on May 18, a gesture that symbolized the desire for continuity in dialogue between Catholics and Jews.
The meaning of the Jewish holidays
The three solemnities alluded to in the telegram are of great relevance in the Hebrew tradition: Rosh Ha-Shanah is the Jewish New Year; Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, is the holiest day for Judaism, marked by fasting and supplication for forgiveness; while Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, recalls divine protection during the journey of the people of Israel through the desert and is celebrated with a marked spirit of joy and gratitude.
Friendship and common commitment to peace
Leo XIV asked that “the Eternal One, in His immense goodness, be close to your community and accompany all our efforts to deepen friendship between us, in the city of Rome and in the world.”
The telegram concluded with a plea to God “in His infinite mercy” to grant “the gift of peace and the tireless desire to always promote it.” The Pope closed his message with the Hebrew greeting “Shalom Alechem” (“peace be with you”).
We leave below the complete message and translated:
Most Illustrious Dr. Riccardo Di Segni
Chief Rabbi of Rome
Jewish Community of Rome – Major Temple
Lungotevere Cenci – 00186 Rome
On the occasion of the upcoming celebrations of Rosh Ha-Shanah 5786, Yom Kippur and Sukkot, I wish to express my most cordial wishes to you and to the entire Jewish Community of Rome.
I recall, with gratitude, your presence at the beginning of my Petrine ministry, on May 18.
May the Eternal One, in His immense goodness, be close to your community and accompany all our efforts to deepen friendship between us, in the city of Rome and in the world.
God, in His infinite mercy, grant us the gift of peace and the tireless desire to always promote it.
Shalom Alechem!
Leo XIV, Pope