About 170 foreign delegations are expected to arrive at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.
Among the world leaders, US President Donald Trump, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the French president Emmanuel Macron, and many others.
The chief rabbi of Rome Riccardo di Segni
“I have had many opportunities to meet Pope Francis, both in formal and informal contexts,” said Rabbi Di Segni in Euronews.
“In each of them, it was possible to establish a personal link beyond the formalities. I have always appreciated its availability and its warmth. ”
Although he recognizes that their relationship was not without disagreement, the Rabbi Di Segni stressed the importance of openness and respect in any dialogue.
“There were times when we do not agree, but that is also part of the dialogue,” he said.
“Having a dialogue means having different opinions. Otherwise, it is just a rhetoric. The most important thing is that there is mutual respect and a desire to listen.”
In accordance with the Jewish tradition, because the funeral fall on the shabbat, the rabbi will head towards the ceremony instead of traveling by car.
Divergent views of the war in Gaza have sometimes stretched relations between the Vatican and Israel. However, the Israel's ambassador to the Vatican should represent the country during the funeral.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the Catholic community on Thursday for the death of Pope Francis, although he is not supposed to attend the pontiff's funeral.
