Statements of sorrow for the passing of Cardinal
Martini accompanied by lengthy obituaries honoring his life keep coming
from the Italian and international Jewish world.
In Italy, a wide-ranging chorus of Jewish individuals and groups expressed deep sadness at his death and strong appreciation for his commitment to interreligious dialogue and his culturally grounded contributions towards a pluralistic society of the future.
Rav Giuseppe Laras, former Chief Rabbi of Milan and Italy expressed “great pain and sadness” . He recalled Cardinal Martini’s “fundamental…courageous… tireless contribution to Jewish-Christian dialogue…his determination, moral strength and faith.” “Today is a difficult day” said Rabbi Laras, ”for those such as I, who knew him well and worked together for so many years in the context of Jewish Christian dialogue, sharing friendship, passions, efforts, meetings, and moments of hope.”
Renzo Gattegna, the President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities recalled Martini as “a man of culture…a great protagonist in interreligious dialogue…a friend, a guide and a reference point.”
The “Martin Buber Jews for Peace” movement issued a statement of mourning for “the loss of Cardinal Martini and his long-standing commitment against all racial, religious and gender discrimination. He chose Jerusalem for his private place for silent study and meditation and later returned to Milan for health reasons. We are deeply moved by his dignified, serene death, an example for the entire world.”
Marco Cassuto Morselli, President of the Rome Jewish-Christian Friendship Association referred to Martini as a “distinguished Biblical scholar, a refined theologian , an illuminated pastor…His commitment to the Jewish – Christian dialogue will not be forgotten and will become a reference point for future generations.”
The Israeli media disseminated the news of his death together with commemorative comments, as did international Jewish organizations.
Rabbi David Rosen, International Director for Interreligious Dialogue of the American Jewish Committee stated “AJC mourns the passing of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini. He was a great Biblical scholar, a profound spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, a true friend of the Jewish People and of Israel where he lived and studied for many years, and he was deeply committed to interreligious dialogue. He leaves a void, but also a rich heritage.”
World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder called Cardinal Martini a “pioneer in Catholic-Jewish dialogue” adding that the cardinal’s “love and dedication for the well-being of the State of Israel had been second to none in the Catholic Church.”
In addition to Jewish voices, deep appreciation for Martini’s commitment to a wider interreligious dialogue was expressed by representatives of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Baha’i religion, the Waldensian Church and by Dr. Luigi De Salvia, President of the Italian section of Religions for Peace.