Pope Francis and Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the former Chief Rabbi of Moscow, met privately on Sunday in Rome.
The religious leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War as well as global antisemitism, according to the Conference of European Rabbis, of which Goldschmidt is president.
Goldschmidt reportedly explained key Jewish practices to Pope Francis, including the need for protection of kosher meat in all countries. Some nations, pressured under the pretense of animal welfare, currently ban kosher meat production.
Who is Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt?
Goldschmidt, who was Moscow's chief rabbi for 30 years, lost the title in July after his contract was not renewed. He left Russia for Israel following its invasion of Ukraine.
Also on his schedule in Rome, Goldschmidt is expected to meet with Italy’s newly instated foreign minister, Antonio Tajani.
In 2019, Tajani was awarded the Lord Jakobovits Prize of European Jewry, a prize created by Goldschmidt to honor leaders who have outspokenly supported European Jews.