Pope Francis
The initiative, which the pontiff supported before he died in April, was entrusted to a Catholic charity.
“It’s perhaps among the most challenging in a series of moments in Catholic-Jewish relations over the last 60 years,” Rabbi Noam Marans told JNS.
Converting the vehicle to a mobile health clinic was one of the pontiff’s last wishes before he died.
“May his prayers for justice and peace be realized promptly in the immediate release of Israel’s hostages,” the Israeli president wrote.
More than 50 world leaders attended the ceremony, including the U.S. president, who met Ukraine’s Zelenskyy for a brief one-on-one talk.
The source referenced a glowing eulogy by the president but did not explain Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s silence or decision to skip the pontiff’s funeral.
The World Jewish Congress spoke of “moments of difficulty, particularly in recent months,” while the American Jewish Committee noted “significant Jewish disappointments.”
Preparations for the papal conclave to elect his successor will begin following the customary period of mourning.
“I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction,” said Francis.
If the 88-year-old continues his steady improvement and rehabilitation, he should eventually be able to resume all his normal activities.
In a March 5 statement, the Vatican said the 88-year-old pontiff “remained stable.”
Catholics pray as Vatican says pope condition ‘critical’
Doctors say 88-year-old pontiff’s condition worsens, leading staff to administer “high-flow oxygen” support.
