Pope presented with hand illustrated Torah

Each copy features 27 lithographs of the work of Jewish-Cuban artist Baruj Salinas and a blessing from the Pope which reads: “I want to bless all those who have worked in the production of this Torah, which is the word of God, that must unite us in love forever.”

Pope Francis received the first copy to add to the city’s collection of iconic art. It was presented by a small group of Jewish and Christian children.

The ceremony began with an introductory speech from Rabbi Abraham Skorka, an Argentine Conservative rabbi, who is a friend of the pope.

“Our commitment to the Jewish-Catholic dialogue allows us to continue to have a deep and sincere friendship which we call brotherhood,” he said, before embracing the leader of the global Catholic church.

Pope Francis expressed his sincere gratitude and described the book as “the fruit of a ‘covenant’ between persons of different nationalities, ages and religious confessions, who joined in this common effort”.

The papal audience included renowned figures in biblical studies and art, as well as all of the craftsmen and artisans who collaborated in the creation of this book with their families.

Mexican businessman Dan Tartakovski, who collaborated on the project, recited the ‘Shehecheyanu’ prayer for the occasion.