Papal snaps

Deputy Chief of Mission leads the ribbon-cutting of the photo exhibit for Pope Francis’ visit to Israel in 2014.

At the home of the Archers in Taft recently, an exhibit of Pope Francis’ visit to Israel in 2014 was put on display through eloquent photos.

In collaboration with the De La Salle University, the Israel Embassy in the Philippines materialized the spectacle that shall serve as a platform in showing the significance of the supreme pontiff’s visit in the holy land five years ago.

“The special relations of the State of Israel and the Holy See are based on both political and interreligious components. Pope Francis repeatedly said that a Catholic cannot be anti-Semitic, because we share the same roots,” said Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov, deputy chief of mission of the embassy.

The exhibit is also a commemoration of the celebration of the 25th year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See.

Holy See, as also called as the See of Rome, entails to the jurisdiction of the Pope who is also known as the Bishop of Rome.

The exhibit was unveiled in the Philippines by Cardinal Tagle during his historic visit to the Synagogue in June this year.

“The special relations of the State of Israel and the Holy See are based on both political and interreligious components. Pope Francis repeatedly said that a Catholic cannot be anti-Semitic because we share the same roots,” Yulia said.

The report of the Special Rapporteur of the UN on freedom of religion or belief highlighted “with serious concern that the frequency of anti-Semitic incidents appears to be increasing in several countries.”

“Antisemitism is toxic to democracy and mutual respect of citizens and threatens all societies in which it goes unchallenged,” the report also stated.

The photo exhibit is open to the public this October in relation to the celebration of the Holy Rosary Month for Roman Catholics.

It is to be displayed at the sixth floor of Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University.