A Tribute to Pope Francis: A Shared Journey of Solidarity
We are honored to present a heartfelt recollection of the late Pope Francis, penned by the esteemed professor who initiated a letter signed by 400 rabbis and scholars, in response to the tragic events during the war in Gaza. The Pope’s gracious reply filled our hearts with appreciation and warmth.
By Karma Ben Johanan
Dear Catholic brothers and sisters,
In the midst of our people’s turmoil in February 2024, Pope Francis extended words of comfort to the Jewish community in Israel, reminding us of the enduring bond between the Church and the Jewish people. As we continue this profound two-thousand-year journey together, we reach out to you with sincere solidarity and heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved shepherd.
In Jewish tradition, the phrase “may his memory be a blessing” signifies more than grief; it signifies a commitment to honor the departed by turning memory into action. The Psalms remind us that creation itself glorifies God without words, echoing the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi who called upon all creatures to praise the Creator with their lives.
Pope Francis, following in the footsteps of the Poor Man of Assisi, valued actions over words. His message in Fratelli Tutti emphasized spreading the love of God through gestures, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood in society.
As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, let us honor his memory through tangible acts of kindness. Let us strive to build the fraternal society he envisioned, one gesture at a time.
May his memory be a blessing.
