Source: Yad Vashem
In March 2000 Pope John Paul II visited Israel. During the visit a historic ceremony was held in the Hall of Remembrance in Yad Vashem expressing the wish for reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people.
During his visit the Pope visited the Western Wall and placed his message between the stones. The “Note” was subsequently placed for safekeeping in Yad Vashem’s Artifacts Collection in accordance with the wishes of the Pope. In keeping with the sentiments expressed at the ceremony in Yad Vashem, the Note appeals to God with a prayer for forgiveness and a wish for reconciliation:
JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II TO THE HOLY LAND (MARCH 20-26, 2000)
PRAYER OF THE HOLY FATHER AT THE WESTERN WALL
God of our fathers,
Jerusalem, March 26 2000
you chose Abraham and his descendants
to bring your Name to the Nations:
we are deeply saddened by the behaviour of those
who in the course of history
have caused these children of yours to suffer,
and asking your forgiveness we wish to commit ourselves
to genuine brotherhood
with the people of the Covenant.
