NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress mourns the death of Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who led the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue since 2007. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said: “Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran was an inimitable force in the Vatican, who worked tirelessly to build bridges of understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect between Catholics, Jews, and Muslims throughout his years in the ministry.
“Cardinal Tauran truly lived the message that he preached, demonstrating absolute faith in humanity’s ability to coexist and thrive together, denouncing radicalism and ignorance while embracing people of all faiths and backgrounds,” Lauder said.
“On behalf of the World Jewish Congress, I extend my deepest gratitude to Cardinal Tauran for all of his service, and deeply hope that his path of peace and dialogue will continue as he intended,” Lauder said.
The World Jewish Congress worked closely with Cardinal Tauran over the years in the Vatican, as part of its ongoing efforts at strengthening interfaith relations, including between Jewish communities and the Catholic Church.