Former Chief Rabbi of Rome Dies Two weeks before 100th Birthday

Photo Credit:

Former chief Rome Rabbi Elio Toaff died on Sunday the age of 99, two weeks before what was supposed to be his 100th birthday.

He served as chief rabbi of the city for 51 years until 2002 after having served as the chief rabbi of Venice.

Rabbi Toaf once prayed with Pope John Paul II, who paid an unannounced visit to the Tome Synagogue, and the rabbi co-officiated at a papal concert commemorating the Holocaust.

He also praised Pope Pius XII after his death.