Source: Haaretz

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/562921.html

On April 10, 2005 Haaretz reported, "With the passing of Pope John Paul II, Jewish and Catholic leaders involved in interfaith efforts are voicing concerns that future pontiffs might fail to carry on his groundbreaking efforts to deepen relations with the Jewish people...In some circles, the concern is that as the church confronts mounting international problems - including a critical shortage of priests and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism - strong ties with the Jewish community will be a lower priority for future popes who are not personally invested in the issue. Under such circumstances, some observers say, John Paul's efforts to repair the church's relationship with the Jewish people could come to be understood as his own personal initiative rather than an institutionalized church mandate."