Source: Beliefnet

Wire Service: AP

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/165/story_16576_1.html?rnd=17

On April 21, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "In another sign that he intends to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI invited the chief rabbi of Rome to his installation, a spokesman for Rome's Jewish community said Thursday. The spokesman, Riccardo Pacifici, said Rabbi Riccardo di Segni received the letter Thursday. 'The message that arrived brought with it surprise, pleasure and hope for the future,' he said... The pope's installation is scheduled for Sunday, the first day of Passover, and the rabbi will not attend the ceremony, 'obviously not as an act of impoliteness, but to fulfill Jewish practices,' Pacifici said. 'Let's say that this is a good beginning,' he said."