The Mortara case is thus once again a live issue in Jewish-Catholic relations.

We were priviliged to partner with him in stregthening Jewish-Catholic relations.

"We would have done a grave disservice to the cause of Jewish-Catholic relations if we had been swept off our feet by a desire for popularity."

While the visit was received as a warm gesture, one Rabbi noted "Will it make any difference to Jewish-Catholic relations?

The Jewish leadership were faced with a resentful public, on one hand, and the realization that the cancellation of the visit would have dramatic import upon Jewish-Catholic relations.

It reminds us boldly what the next steps must be if the momentum of Jewish-Catholic relations is to be kept up.

"Historically, Jewish-Catholic relations have never been better," said Elan Steinberg, executive director of the World Jewish Congress, who was not invited to the event.

A significant aspect in Jewish-Christian and Jewish-Catholic relations in Israel is government policy.

"Will it make any difference to Jewish-Catholic relations?"

Lord Sacks was also interviewed by the Vatican Radio on the role of faith in the modern world and Jewish-Catholic relations.