Pope exchanges greetings with the Chief Rabbi of Rome

By Vatican News

While Christians prepare to celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter, Jewish communities around the world celebrate Pesach. Also known as the feast of the Passover, the celebration commemorates the liberation of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus.

Pope Francis’ message to Rabbi Di Segni

In a message of good wishes sent to the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, Pope Francis writes: "May the God of mercy accompany you with his blessing and grant you peace and harmony". "In renewing, on this happy occasion, the bonds of friendship and commitment towards the most needy of our society”, continues the Pope’s message, “I assure you of my remembrance and ask you to continue to pray for me”. The Pope concludes with the traditional Jewish greeting of “Chag Sameach", literally meaning “joyous festival”.

Rabbi Di Segni’s message to Pope Francis

Rome’s Chief Rabbi sent his personal wishes to the Pope in a hand-written note, which reads: "In the run-up to the Easter festivities I thank you and offer my cordial wishes for joy, serenity and health, for consolidation and beneficial relations of friendship and collaboration. May your prayers for good be heard".

The Jewish Feast of Passover begins at sunset this Friday evening and ends at nightfall on Saturday.