In a significant address during his Wednesday general audience, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the misunderstandings and conflicts that have arisen between Catholics and Jews amid Israel’s war in Gaza. However, he firmly reiterated the Catholic Church’s unwavering condemnation of antisemitism and its commitment to combating it, rooted in the Gospel-mandated friendship with the Jewish people. The Pope’s remarks coincided with the 60th anniversary of the landmark Vatican document “Nostra Aetate,” which revolutionized the Church’s relationship with Judaism. The declaration, Latin for “In Our Time,” denounced antisemitism in all forms and repudiated the centuries-old “deicide” charge that blamed Jews collectively for Christ’s death. This historic document marked a turning point in the Church’s reckoning with its role in perpetuating antisemitism, particularly in the context of the Holocaust. Speaking to a diverse audience that included Jewish leaders and representatives of other faiths, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue despite current challenges. He noted that while political circumstances and injustices have strained relations, the Church remains steadfast in its friendship with the Jewish people. The anniversary comes amid a surge in antisemitism globally, particularly in the wake of Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. In the United States alone, the Anti-Defamation League reported a record high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents last year, with 58% linked to Israel. The war has also tested the Vatican’s relationship with the Jewish community, with Pope Francis facing criticism for comments perceived as equating Hamas’s actions with Israel’s military response. While Francis called for the release of hostages and condemned violence, his remarks on Israel’s conduct sparked controversy. Pope Leo, however, has sought to bridge divides, meeting with Jewish leaders during his installation in May and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to dialogue. Rabbi Noam Marans of the American Jewish Committee praised the Pope’s acknowledgment of the challenges, calling it a significant step forward. He urged the Vatican to leverage its moral authority to combat antisemitism more vigorously, emphasizing the critical need for solidarity in these turbulent times.
Pope condemns antisemitism and vows to fight it as tensions rise over Israel’s war in Gaza
