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Shmuly Yanklowitz

Shmuly Yanklowitz

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is the author of 27 books on Jewish ethics. Newsweek named Yanklowitz one of the top 50 rabbis in America and the Forward named him one of the 50 most influential Jews. 

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Pope Francis greets his longtime friend Rabbi Abraham Skorka during a meeting with an interreligious group of scholars at the Vatican Feb. 23. Pope Francis died April 21, 2025, at age 88. Rabbi Shmuly Tanklowitz writes that Francis "was the type of role model we want to see in the world." (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

A rabbi's reflection on Pope Francis' legacy

Pope Francis himself was a longtime friend of the Jews, calling antisemitism "a sin against God." As Jews, we not only offer sympathy to Catholics worldwide, but mourn this enormous loss along with them.

Rabbi Abraham Skorka of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pope Francis embrace after visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem May 26, 2014. (CNS/Paul Haring)

I'm a rabbi raised by a Christian mother. We need religious diversity now more than ever.

Across faith traditions, humility emerges as a cornerstone of true strength — a lesson that profoundly shaped this Orthodox rabbi raised by a devout Christian mother.

Two men wearing suits and holding hands

With same-sex blessings, Pope Francis sets example for religious leaders

Perhaps Pope Francis, by offering his faithful a middle ground, can set a framework for leaders in other religious communities to follow in welcoming LGBTQ members. 

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