Pope Leo XIV has condemned antisemitism and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to combat it during a general audience in Rome on Wednesday. His remarks come as tensions escalate due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The Pope’s statement emphasizes the Church’s longstanding relationship with the Jewish community and its obligation to promote friendship and dialogue, despite recent misunderstandings.
During the audience, which marked the 60th anniversary of the landmark Vatican document, Nostra Aetate, Pope Leo adopted the Vatican’s official position against antisemitism. This significant declaration, translated from Latin as “In Our Time,” expressed the Catholic Church’s repudiation of antisemitism in all forms and rejected the notion of collective guilt among Jews for the death of Christ. The Pope highlighted that this erroneous belief has historically fueled antisemitism and led to immense suffering for the Jewish people.
In his address, Pope Leo quoted from Nostra Aetate, stating, “the Catholic Church decries hatred, persecutions, displays of antisemitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.” He emphasized the continuity of this stance among his predecessors, affirming, “the Church does not tolerate antisemitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself.”
The anniversary of Nostra Aetate arrives at a time of heightened antisemitic incidents globally. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents in the United States reached a record high last year, with 58% of the 9,354 recorded incidents linked to Israel. The surge in antisemitism has been particularly pronounced in the context of protests against Israeli policies and military actions in Gaza.
The conflict has also strained the Vatican’s relations with Jewish leaders. Pope Francis faced criticism for comments perceived as equating the actions of Hamas with Israel’s military response. While he has called for the return of hostages taken by Hamas, he has also urged investigations into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
During his meeting with Jewish leaders in May, Pope Leo acknowledged the existing tensions and reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue. “Even in these difficult times, it is necessary to continue the momentum of this precious dialogue of ours,” he stated. His recognition of the challenges faced by the Jewish community has been welcomed by interfaith leaders.
Rabbi Noam Marans, director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee, expressed hope for a continued firm stance from the Vatican against 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 to addressing antisemitism and fostering interfaith dialogue underscores the Catholic Church’s evolving relationship with the Jewish community. As the conflict in Gaza continues, both religious and political leaders face the challenge of navigating complex issues while promoting understanding and solidarity.
