As pope visits Rome synagogue, six issues strain Catholic-Jewish ties

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Argentine Rabbi Abraham Skorka embraced Pope Francis as they left after praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem in May, 2014. (Paul Haring / CNS)

January 16, 2016
By John L. Allen Jr.
Associate editor

On any list of the biggest religion stories of the 20th century, the positive revolution in Catholic-Jewish relations that unfolded post-World War II, accelerating after the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, would have to finish near the top.

Sunday brings a reminder, as Pope Francis visits the Great Synagogue of Rome, becoming the third pontiff to do so after St. John Paul II in 1986 and Benedict XVI in 2010. Where the synagogue stands today was once inside a papally-imposed ghetto; today, popes arrive as invited friends.

These visits are always special, given that arguably no Jewish community has felt the sting of Catholic opprobrium more than the one in Rome. It’s enough to recall that in the Middle Ages, the rabbi of Rome was required to present a tribute to the chief of the city councilors each year, and in return got a ceremonial kick to the rump.

Though most experts say this is now a friendship nothing can derail, there are still flashpoints. As Francis goes to the synagogue, here’s a run-down of six issues in Catholic/Jewish relations.

http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2016/01/16/as-pope-visits-rome-synagogue-six-issues-strain-catholic-jewish-ties/

[beemer27]

1. Good Link

That was a very interesting site, and the comments were even more thought-provoking. Many of these sites are rather boring and the comments are very predictable. This one allowed people to actually have a dialogue. I stayed out of it because my opinions would have really ruffled feathers too. It is good that some major religions are starting to realize that there is room for different ideas within Christianity. Most of what we were taught was passed down from prior generations that may have had various motives for proclaiming certain ideas as dogma. As we grow and learn, it is only natural to question some of these ideas, and study history to understand why these ideas were "written in stone" at that time. Some may well be "The Truth", and some may require more study and thought.
Again, thanks for posting this.

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2. It's produced by the Boston Globe and John Allen is an Associate Editor there.

Consequently, it starts with facts and its analysis is thoughtful and considered. It's a refreshing change from a lot of sites focused on religion that either bash or praise religion mindlessly, along with the expected comments.