Jewish Quarter
Noah Drlik
Walsh Global 8
This past week I got to experience the Jewish aspect of Rome. This entire trip has been Catholic driven, it was nice to change sides and understand a new culture. I see Rome as the Catholic Capital of the world, if not the capital at least the headquarters of the Catholic religion. It has been this way for thousands of years and I do not see a change coming anytime soon. However, Rome is not just home to Catholicism, it is also home to the Roman Jews. The Jewish Quarters in Rome can be found next to the River Tiber. There is a reason the Jewish quarter can be found here and that dates back to 1555. Pope Paul IV ordered the Roman Jews of that time to move into the Jewish Ghetto which boarded the River Tiber. Pope Paul wanted to convert the Jews so badly, he segregated the Jews in the ghetto and placed Catholic Churches at the entrances to the ghetto, trying to entice the Jews to convert. This was a perfect place for Pope Paul IV to place the Jews because it segregated them from the rest of Rome. Pope Paul IV wanted Rome to be seen as the Catholic holy city and having Jews all around Rome does not help that image, therefore he placed them in a small area of Rome and cut them out from the rest of Roman society. I do not agree with this action performed by Pope Paul IV, I believe that the Catholic religion needs to be accepting of all religions and not fight against them. The segregation was lifted in 1870, but a majority of the Roman Jews still lived in the Ghetto because it became their holy place of worship in Rome. The largest synagogue in Rome is in the Jewish quarters and is visited by the Pope every so often. Pope John Paul II started the friendly relationship with the Roman Jews by visiting the synagogue and praying with the Jewish patrons. This act by the Popes shows that the Catholic church puts the past of Catholics Vs. Jews behind them and wants to move forward together. There will always be a difference in beliefs that there is no need to segregate one because of beliefs. The Catholic Church finally understands that concept and I believe that helps them in growing the holy city of Rome. Rome will always be a Catholic holy city due to the Vatican being located in Rome, however, Rome is big enough for all religions to call it their holy city. There is no need for fighting over which religion gets to claim the holiest land. Instead, the holy land is designed to be shared peacefully and for worship. I believe that because of the Catholic Church’s power, they should lead a peaceful push to make Rome the Holy Capital of the world. The Church needs to show that they put the past differences behind them and are ready to grow with all religions to make peace among nations. Rome is the Catholic Church’s holy city, its time they open the door and welcome other religions to the holy city of Rome.
Noah Drlik
Walsh Global 8
This past week I got to experience the Jewish aspect of Rome. This entire trip has been Catholic driven, it was nice to change sides and understand a new culture. I see Rome as the Catholic Capital of the world, if not the capital at least the headquarters of the Catholic religion. It has been this way for thousands of years and I do not see a change coming anytime soon. However, Rome is not just home to Catholicism, it is also home to the Roman Jews. The Jewish Quarters in Rome can be found next to the River Tiber. There is a reason the Jewish quarter can be found here and that dates back to 1555. Pope Paul IV ordered the Roman Jews of that time to move into the Jewish Ghetto which boarded the River Tiber. Pope Paul wanted to convert the Jews so badly, he segregated the Jews in the ghetto and placed Catholic Churches at the entrances to the ghetto, trying to entice the Jews to convert. This was a perfect place for Pope Paul IV to place the Jews because it segregated them from the rest of Rome. Pope Paul IV wanted Rome to be seen as the Catholic holy city and having Jews all around Rome does not help that image, therefore he placed them in a small area of Rome and cut them out from the rest of Roman society. I do not agree with this action performed by Pope Paul IV, I believe that the Catholic religion needs to be accepting of all religions and not fight against them. The segregation was lifted in 1870, but a majority of the Roman Jews still lived in the Ghetto because it became their holy place of worship in Rome. The largest synagogue in Rome is in the Jewish quarters and is visited by the Pope every so often. Pope John Paul II started the friendly relationship with the Roman Jews by visiting the synagogue and praying with the Jewish patrons. This act by the Popes shows that the Catholic church puts the past of Catholics Vs. Jews behind them and wants to move forward together. There will always be a difference in beliefs that there is no need to segregate one because of beliefs. The Catholic Church finally understands that concept and I believe that helps them in growing the holy city of Rome. Rome will always be a Catholic holy city due to the Vatican being located in Rome, however, Rome is big enough for all religions to call it their holy city. There is no need for fighting over which religion gets to claim the holiest land. Instead, the holy land is designed to be shared peacefully and for worship. I believe that because of the Catholic Church’s power, they should lead a peaceful push to make Rome the Holy Capital of the world. The Church needs to show that they put the past differences behind them and are ready to grow with all religions to make peace among nations. Rome is the Catholic Church’s holy city, its time they open the door and welcome other religions to the holy city of Rome.
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