Communicated by Foreign
Ministry Spokesman
Jerusalem, 4 May 2000
Announcement by Foreign Minister regarding Cardinal O'Connor
John Cardinal O'Connor, a great man of religion and morality and a true friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, has passed away.
For many years, Cardinal O'Connor had harnessed his outstanding qualities to carrying out history's moral calling and to the implementation of the lesson derived from the tragic events of the 20th century in Europe. He worked tirelessly to advance rapprochement between the Jewish people and the Catholic Church. He made an important contribution towards the reconciliation between the Holy See and the State of Israel.
The Jewish people and the State of Israel have lost a friend who was a moral and spiritual giant, and share in the grief of Catholics all over the world.