Jewish Community Relations Council Statement on the Passing of Pope John Paul II

April 4, 2005

Source: The Jewish Community Relations Council

http://www.jcrcboston.org/news.htm#JCRC%20Extends%20Its%20Condolences%20On%20The%20Passing%20Of%20Pope%20John%20Paul%20II

On April 4, 2005 The Jewish Community Relations Council reported, "The Jewish Community Relations Council, the public affairs arm of the Greater Boston Jewish Community today released a statement offering condolences to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and its faithful upon the passing of Pope John Paul II. JCRC President Susan A. Calechman and Executive Director Nancy K. Kaufman issued the following statement: “Pope John Paul II...was a tireless advocate for opening an honest dialogue between communities, and under his guidance, the Catholic and Jewish communities enjoyed a fruitful, harmonious and productive relationship. On behalf of our community we extend our deepest sympathies to his faithful on the passing of Pope John Paul II. During his papacy, Pope John Paul II led our communities to historic deep and meaningful spiritual closeness.  The Pope spoke of a special and sacred relationship between Catholics and Jews and made far-reaching, and critically important statements addressing the Holocaust, stating that anti-Semitism is a sin against God, and affirming the right of the Jewish people to a homeland in Israel."