Pope Leo XIV sent a message to Rome's Jewish community on the occasion of the Rosh Ha-Shanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukot festivities, Jewish holidays that take place between September and October. The message was sent to the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Riccardo di Segni, on September 11, 2026.
In the message, the Pope extended wishes of blessings and joy to the entire Jewish community of Rome, hoping that Rosh Ha-Shanah brings a peaceful renewal, that Yom Kippur is an occasion for peace and inner light, and that the festival of Sukot is full of joy and gratitude.
Leo XIV concluded the message with the expression "Shalom Alchem!", renewing the Catholic Church's esteem and asking the Eternal that He increase the mutual friendship between Catholics and Jews, both in Rome and in the world.
On June 15, 2026, the Pope had already appealed to the fight against all forms of anti-Semitism during a meeting with representatives of the Jewish community at the Vatican. The Catholic Church celebrated in October 2025 the 60th anniversary of the council declaration Nostra Aetate, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965, a document that addresses the Church's relationship with non-Christian religions and condemns all discrimination and violence on grounds of race, color, condition, or religion.
