Rabbi Elio Toaff, who ushered in era of closer ties between Jews and Vatican, dies at 99

Toaff is best known for his 1986 invitation to Pope John Paul II to pray together in Rome’s Great Synagogue.

Then-Pope Benedict XVI (R) shakes hands with former chief rabbi Elio Toaff at Rome's main synagogue January 17, 2010.

Then-Pope Benedict XVI (R) shakes hands with former chief rabbi Elio Toaff at Rome's main synagogue January 17, 2010.

(photo credit: REUTERS)

ByERIC J. LYMAN

APRIL 20, 2015 12:43

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