JCRC-NY Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis, A Champion of Interfaith Understanding

NEW YORK, NY (04/21/2025) (readMedia)-- Statement from JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger:

"JCRC-NY joins with people of all faiths and our Jewish communities around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis strengthened the relationship between the Jewish people and the Catholic Church, taking a clear stand against rising antisemitism and extending a genuine hand of friendship. His visits to synagogues and Holocaust memorials, along with his steadfast support for Holocaust education, were more than symbolic-they were powerful acts of solidarity that reaffirmed our shared humanity. He condemned the atrocities of October 7 and called for a Day of Prayer, he called for the immediate release of the hostages and a lasting end to the conflict, and he recently expressed growing concern over the rise of antisemitism around the globe. He saw a global responsibility to respond to these matters and that is why he should be remembered as one of the strongest interfaith leaders of our generation, in addition to how he honorably led the Catholic Church.

Like me, Pope Francis was the child of immigrants. His deep compassion for migrants and unwavering commitment to justice for vulnerable populations continue to inspire the mission and work of JCRC-NY. I've seen firsthand how the kind of interfaith and community-building efforts he championed can foster greater understanding across New York's diverse communities.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to guide us in building bridges of respect and unity among all faiths."

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JCRC-NY, a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body with a mission to build relationships to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.