Posted on 09/12/2015 6:39:36 AM PDT by piusv
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin paid a visit to Pope Francis in Rome, accompanied by his personal secretary Rivkah – an Orthodox-Jewish woman. When a person usually greets the pope, they shake his hand and bow down. But when Rivkah’s turn came to greet the pope, she explained to him that for religious reasons she could not shake his hand, nor could she bow down since he was wearing a cross. The pope then covered his cross with his hand, and bowed down to her!
I really have to wonder lately.
“If anything odd happened, it’s because the protocol aides of both the Pope and Rivlin dropped the ball a bit.”
Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner.
Am I to assume that you are one who also thinks Kim Davis should have either issued the same-sex marriage licenses or resigned?
From the description above, it doesn't sound like Rivkah was rude. She politely explained why her faith did not allow her to follow the same customs that most who visit the Pope would follow. It doesn't sound like the Pope was offended - why are so many on here offended?
I agree with that.
Sounds reasonable.
Besides, in the context of the woman explaining (a little?) why she was prohibited from shaking his hand, Bergoglio's slight nod of acknowledgement comes across to me as polite, and accepting.
What's the matter with that, I don't know. Some people like to hyperventilate maybe?
Perhaps he was showing humility - a desirable trait in a leader, especially a religious leader. Jesus washed the feet of the apostles - why do you think the pope is above showing courtesy to a visitor?
Why bring goose fat into this?
Got something against gooses, do you?
Or is it against Jewish religious sensibilities which must yield, and conform to ---- somebody else's sensibilities?
Does he show this humility with all visitors?
Does he bow in return when Catholics bow to him?
Just a question, I’ll have to go find footage to see.
Regardless, the protocol people took vacays on this.
Aww, I like that.
This is not about the proud and rude Rivkah who was there as a diplomat but would not shake hands
Seriously lady, get a new post or get over yourself
My Christian FRiends, if you agree with Silverleaf then you can’t support the Kim woman who wouldn’t sign off on gay marriages in KY.
Jews have commandments to obey as well and we bow to no one except Gd. We respect the Pope as being holy to you (Catholics) but we can’t bow to him. Orthodox women do not shake hands with me and vice versa. It is not rude. It is part of the practice of our religion. I’m sure she explained it with utter respect and I’m sure the Pope understands.
Francis will not genuflect before the tabernacle or at the Consecration; but he will kneel to wash muslims feet on Holy Thursday.
This was a calculated insult to the Pope by Israeli President. He knew that an orthodox woman would not shake hands with the Pope. He should have brought another aide, but chose not to.
I am fairly convinced that this man is not the best representative of the Catholic Church that we have ever had.To me he always seems not ready for prime time, also he does not appear to welcome any assistance from those around him. Having lived through six Popes in my lifetime, I rank hi dead last, although only slightly behind John XXIII. There is a reason that there has never been a Jesuit in the Vatican as Pope; he is the very epitome of that concept. He has an eerie similarity to Jimmy Carter, with a side dish of Barak Obama thrown in. Shame Benedict quit, Or did he?
Alternately, she could have curtsied (which is not a bow), or given him a happy wave, instead of making an issue out of the whole thing.
She EXPLAINED her respectful religious commandment. The Pope understood.
I sure hope you weren’t praising the Kim woman who wouldn’t sign the gay marriage permits and made “an issue out of the whole thing.”
Perhaps he was showing humility - a desirable trait in a leader, especially a religious leader. Jesus washed the feet of the apostles - why do you think the pope is above showing courtesy to a visitor?
Exactly, I read the story and was touched. I see nothing wrong at all and I admit to being shocked at the antisemitism of FReepers calling the woman out. They were all praising a woman living by her religion just last week.
I think he did resign, as it were, instead of being coerced.
FWIW of my own, far distant from the inner workings of that 'State' goes.
Which could be near to useless to others here I guess, perhaps other than to provide some acknowledgement of yourself, and to provide degree of reply...
What part if “this is not about Rivkah” do,you fail to understand?
But let’s speak of Rivkah now
Why was she even there at a reception for the Pope in a reception line where she knew she was ordained to stand like a stump .... Making a statement much? Holier than thou, bless her heart
Stay home lady, pray. or whatever, let someone else have your ticket to meet the pope or at least don’t get in the reception line
Now as stated
My beef is with the pope groveling and kissing her a$$ ( figuratively) by covering his crucifix ....
Which he did
as additional links posted show he has done in the past
I seem to recall that if a lady doesn’t offer her hand to a man in greeting, then there is no hand-shaking. Other than that, as a Christian (non-Catholic) woman, I wouldn’t mind shaking the hand of the Pope but I wouldn’t bow or curtsy, just as I wouldn’t bow or curtsy to the leader of any country.
We’re traveling to Israel next year. I’ll leave my American arrogance at home!
There is a pattern with this pope when it comes to not offending Jews (or any non-Catholic for that matter)...in words and actions. You choose to keep your head in the sand. But, while you do so, don’t falsely accuse me of anti-Catholic bigotry because I have decided not to do so.
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