Vatican City, 21 April 2016 – Pope Francis has sent a telegram to the chief rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, to convey to his good wishes to the Jewish community of Rome for Pesach, the Jewish feast of Passover, which takes place this year from 22 to 30 April.

"In remembering with renewed gratitude our meeting on 17 January, when I was cordially welcomed by you and by the Jewish Community of the city in the Great Synagogue, I wish to express my most heartfelt wishes for the feast of Passover. It points out that the Almighty has released His beloved people from slavery and brought them to the Promised Land. May God also accompany you today with the abundance of His Blessings, protect your community and, in His mercy, bestow peace upon everyone. I ask you to pray for me, as I assure you of my prayers for you: may the Almighty allow us to be able to grow more and more in friendship".