Representatives of Vancouver’s Jewish community offered their condolences following the death of Pope Francis, calling him “a remarkable spiritual leader,” in a letter to Archbishop J. Michael Miller and the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s interfaith coordinator Deacon Richard Chau.
Signing the letter were Ezra S. Shanken, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver; Rabbi Philip Bregman, interfaith liaison for the Jewish Federation; Nicolas Slobinsky, vice president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs; and Rabbi Susan Tendler, chair of the Rabbinical Association of Vancouver.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community in Canada and around the world on the passing of Pope Francis,” the signatories wrote.
“Pope Francis was a remarkable spiritual leader whose unwavering commitment to compassion, justice, and interfaith dialogue left a lasting impact on communities of all faiths,” the letter said.
“From his early days in Argentina to his time as Pope, he built meaningful connections with the Jewish people, championing mutual understanding and shared values.”
The leaders said Pope Francis’ efforts to combat antisemitism, foster reconciliation, and promote peace “reflected a deep moral clarity and a belief in the dignity of every human being. He called on the Church to be a source of joy and hope for the most vulnerable, a message that resonated across borders and beliefs.”
The letter closed: “The world has lost a powerful voice for empathy and respect, but his legacy will continue to guide those committed to building a more inclusive and compassionate world.”
Archbishop J. Michael Miller and Rabbi Dan Moskovitz discuss their respective journeys to religious vocation and leadership. The Nov. 30 event at Temple Sholom was one of two gatherings that brought Vancouver Catholics and Jews together. (Megan Mulder photo)
In recent years, Archbishop J. Michael Miller has worked closely with Vancouver’s Jewish community, emphasizing solidarity and mutual respect and particpating in Holocaust remembrance initiatives.
Jewish representatives have expressed appreciation for Archbishop Miller’s outreach, particularly following the 2023 attacks on Israel, when the Archbishop unequivocally condemned the violence, labelling it a serious violation of moral and international law.
Rabbi Jonathan Infeld of Congregation Beth Israel offered thanks at the time, saying, “Your words, your actions, speak love. It has absolutely been noticed.”
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