On Monday, Pope Francis met with Ronald S. Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress and other Jewish leaders from Europe and the Americas, at the Vatican. The pope reaffirmed the importance of Christians and Jews working together to speak out against brutality in the world.
POPE FRANCIS
'I have so many Jewish friends. We get along so well. For me it is natural. Even though, I speak to them, with my friends, about peace. That world peace that we all want. We should go on a joint journey together and work towards peace.â?
The pope spoke candidly about the challenges involved in promoting peace in the world and about the refugee crisis. Later, Lauder presented the pope with a traditional Jewish cake filled with honey to represent unity, sweetness, and light.
RONALD S. LAUDER
President, World Jewish Congress
'We thank you very much for everything you do. We also reach out to you for peace, peace in the Middle East.â?
POPE FRANCIS
'I am ahead of the new year (Rosh Hashana). I would like to wish you all the sweetness, the truth sweetness that comes from the All Mighty.â?
Pope Francis recognized that he was a bit ahead of the Jewish New Year known as Rosh Hashana and also wished the Jewish leaders a sweet new year.
POPE FRANCIS
'I would like to ask you to pray for me. Pray for my work of service. for peace, for unity, and fraternity for all of us.â?
Before concluding the meeting, the pontiff added that a collaborative effort must be made in order to speak out against brutality by lending a voice for peace and unity.
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