On May 15, 2024, the leadership of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, with the leadership of the Beth Hillel Rome congregation, was bestowed with the rare honor of a private audience with His Holiness, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, in the Vatican. This meeting exemplifies the WUPJ value of working for tikkun olam through interreligious dialogue. It included a distinguished delegation of 25 members from the WUPJ and several eminent members of the Vatican’s Secretary on interreligious dialogue.
WUPJ President, Rabbi Sergio Bergman, addressed the audience with heartfelt personal greetings to his dear friend of over 25 years, Pope Francis. He provided a comprehensive overview of the WUPJ’s mission, particularly the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Beth Hillel, Rome’s Progressive Jewish community. Rabbi Bergman also shared his thoughts with the Pontiff on the current situation in Israel, expressing the WUPJ’s hope for collaborative efforts toward the immediate release of all hostages, as well as his reflections on the War in Ukraine.
The Pope talked about how important it is to meet with groups of all faiths in the name of brotherhood. He added how grateful he is to meet an old friend here in Rome and his hope for better days as we work together for unity and peace.
Pope Francis personally greeted every delegation member and presented them with a gift from the Vatican. The WUPJ gave the Pope a yellow ribbon and the dog tag in support of the hostages as well as a WUPJ mezuzah.
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