It is a current situation which can be found in the 19th Century. Rabbi Elisha Ben-Amozeg (RABA) known for his book "Israel an d the World", explaining to a French journalist why he should reconsider his wish to become a Jew. But, Raba was Chief Rabbi of Rome and was very close to four Popes. His tolerance earned him the respect and admiration throughout Europe and some other parts of the world. BYTW, Rabbi Elish Ben-Amozeg was born, Sale, in Morocco, and brought to Livorno by his mother to leave with her brother. In Rabbi Skorka there is so much relevance and continuity for Tolerance, such as the one Raba displayed in his time.

As a Catholic, I read this article with immense joy and hope for the future. The good Rabbi sounds like a warm and caring person of great faith. Our new Pope is building solid bridges of mutual respect and friendship in many directions. I wish them both long lives and ever richer friendships.

have a free, democratic Israel. Still, it signifies nothing. Catholic faith cannot have any real "respect" for Judaism, since we reject one of the pillars of their castle in the air, namely Yeshua as the Messiah . Neither should they feel obliged to acknowledge us as their "older brother". Just leaving us alone & vice versa would do fine and ring more true. In the meantime it would be very informative , to hear ANY comments on the persecution of Christians be the Religion of Peace & Vatican's view on THAT subject. Pax Vobiscum...

Messiah? Simplism sucks. Choice of Messiah has almost nothing to do with it. Try issue of divinity of man-god and idolatry, Hellenism, Zeus-like Jesus, replacement theology, supersession, etc.

Once again, an instance where two men of obvious good will sharing a friendship that enlightens the world about how two different faiths can respects each other and we get--snark as a response. Go ahead, dear friends, if that comforts you somehow to keep razors sharpened and words harsh. I believe most people, Catholic and Jew alike, value this fine example and applaud both the good rabbi and our new Pope. Pray together as friends and let G-d work out the differences as He sees fit.

is Jehovah and that atheists go to heaven. Maybe if he had spent more time studying the Bible or even reading it at least once instead of helping with menus, he wouldn't be so stupid. Nice, he is. But the original meaning of the word NICE was STUPID. Now that is an apt description of Pope Francis I : STUPID.

There are endless neutral venues to discuss and promote mutual dignity and tolerance without leaving the impression that it's ok for Jews to frequent churches -- or give the pope the victory that he's winning Jews to come to the Church. Invite Christians to meet us in a neutral venue or come to a Torah facility and learn the only correct way to hook up with the Creator, ha-Sheim.