Christians and Jews should “feel as brothers and sisters, united by the same God and by a rich common spiritual patrimony”. With these words, which were received with a round of applause, Pope Francis addressed the Jewish communities during his visit to Rome’s Synagogue yesterday. “With this visit, I follow in the footsteps of my Predecessors”, Pope Francis said, adding: “You are our elder brothers and sisters in the faith. Indeed, we all belong to one family, the family of God, who accompanies and protects us, His people. Together, as Jews and as Catholics, we are called to take on our responsibilities towards this city, making our contribution, above all our spiritual contribution, and helping in the resolution of current problems”. The Pope expressed the hope that “closeness, and mutual understanding and esteem may grow” between Jews and Catholics, highlighting that the date of his visit to the Synagogue was significant in that “on this very day, 17 January, the Italian Bishops’ Conference celebrates the Day of Dialogue between Catholics and Jews”. Very significant and highly appreciated by the Jews was the reference in the Pope’s speech to “the inseparable bond uniting Jews and Christians”. “Christians – Pope Francis said – need to refer to their Jewish roots if they are to understand themselves, and the Church, whilst professing salvation through faith in Christ, recognises the irrevocability of the Old Covenant and God’s unwavering and faithful love for Israel”.