UPDATE: In a powerful address delivered today in Rome, Pope Leo XIV has publicly condemned antisemitism amid escalating tensions due to Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza. Acknowledging a surge in antisemitic incidents linked to this conflict, the Pope reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to combatting hatred and fostering friendship with the Jewish community.
During his weekly general audience, the Pope dedicated his remarks to the 60th anniversary of the Nostra Aetate declaration, a pivotal Vatican document that reshaped Catholic-Jewish relations. He emphasized that the Church does not tolerate antisemitism and fights against it based on the Gospel. “We cannot deny that there have been misunderstandings, difficulties and conflicts in this period,” he stated, “but these have never prevented the dialogue from continuing.”
The Pope’s strong words come in the wake of alarming statistics from the Anti-Defamation League, which reported a record high of antisemitic incidents in the United States last year. Notably, 58% of the 9,354 incidents recorded were linked directly to protests against Israeli policies, including rallies that featured antisemitic chants and signs.
As tensions mount following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and Israel’s military response, the Vatican’s relationship with Jewish leaders has faced challenges. Past comments from Pope Francis, perceived as equating the actions of Hamas with those of Israel, have drawn ire from both Jewish and Israeli communities. However, Pope Leo XIV seeks to mend these ties, insisting that friendship must prevail despite political strife.
In a significant gesture, the Pope met with Jewish leaders and representatives from various faiths during the anniversary celebrations. Rabbi Noam Marans, director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee, highlighted the importance of the Vatican’s role in combating antisemitism. He remarked, “Never in the relationship of Catholics and Jews since ‘Nostra Aetate’ has the Jewish people been more in need of friends who commit themselves to combating antisemitism with every fiber of their being.”
The Pope’s commitment comes at a crucial time as antisemitic sentiments rise globally, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He asserted, “We must not allow political circumstances and the injustices of some to divert us from friendship,” emphasizing the need for continued dialogue between Christians and Jews.
As the situation evolves, observers will be closely monitoring the Vatican’s actions and statements regarding antisemitism and its implications for interfaith relations moving forward. The Pope’s address today marks a decisive moment in this ongoing dialogue, reinforcing the Catholic Church’s stance against antisemitism and its dedication to fostering goodwill among diverse communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
