In a fascinating, and unusual half hour private conversation with Rabbi Chaim Baruch (Edgar) Gluck, Rav DovBer Pinson, and Rabbi Zvi Gluck, speaking about the need to teach the world the Oneness of Hashem, the Pope said “the greatest and most important teaching the world needs to hear is “Shema” (the Pope, said this word in Hebrew).
As YWN published earlier on Monday, in continuation of a previous encounter in Poland, the Pope also promised the elder R. Gluck that he would do everything in his power to help assist with the finding and proper Kevurah for those killed, all kidush hashem, in Eastern Europe during the war.
After promising to help with the Kevarim, Rav inson opened up a very deep conversation with the pontiff about the responsibility each human being, created with a Tzelem Elokim, has towards each other. And, also, how by recognizing that Hashem Echad and teaching this to the world, the world would be a better, more holier place. The pope showed great interest in the conversation and was clearly moved.
Towards, the end, Rabbi Zvi Gluck, mentioned that he has an organization called Amudim, an organization dedicated to helping abuse victims and those suffering with addiction, the pope, enthusiastically said, there needs to be zero tolerance for child abuse, and that victims must be helped.
Following the meeting, the pope came to greet each of the entire group, comprised of some frum jewish philanthropists, who all asked Da’as Torah before going to this meeting, which was in the private office of the pope, not in the usual place of meeting.
In conclusion, a few niggunim were played – creating more unity for the group as a whole.
As YWN published earlier, in 2014 the Chief Rabbis of Israel met with the Pope, with HaRav Yitzchak Yosef wearing a golden necklace around his neck that had the Luchos on it. At the time, YWN published the reason for this, and related that it was an inheritance from his father, Maran Hagaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZATZAL – who himself wore that golden Luchos when he met with previous Popes. Rabbi Gluck senior, wore his Bigdei Shabbos, as the practice of the son of the Chasom Sofer when he met with the Bishop in Poland.
