Proclamation Congratulating Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio on His Election as Pope

Whereas Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires was recently elected as Pope Francis;

Whereas his great commitment to interfaith dialogue, prayers and TV programs and the special consideration he has given to Judaism and the Jews as seen in the book ‘Sobre El Cielo y La Terra’ (On Heaven and Earth) written with our colleague and his close friend, Rabbi Abraham Skorka; and

Whereas Pope Francis recognizes and appreciates the vital importance of the State of Israel for the continuity and development of the Jewish people.

Therefore, the Rabbinical Assembly and its members send to Pope Francis our deep congratulations, best wishes and blessings that the Almighty bless his efforts and deeds for peace, dialogue and understanding among all people, religions and nations.

Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, June, 2013