Church Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Anti-Semitism, Says Pope

Vatican city: Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Catholic Church’s commitment to fighting anti-Semitism on Wednesday as he referred to the 60th anniversary of ‘Nostra aetate’, the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on Interreligious Dialogue, during his weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square. He emphasized that this declaration “deplores hatred, persecutions and all manifestations of anti-Semitism directed against Jews in any time and by anyone.”

According to Ansa News Agency, the American pontiff highlighted the consistent stance of his predecessors in condemning anti-Semitism unequivocally. He stated, “Since then all my predecessors have condemned anti-Semitism in clear words.” Pope Leo XIV further reaffirmed, “And so I too confirm that the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights it, because of the Gospel itself.”

The Pope also expressed appreciation for the progress made in Jewish-Catholic dialogue, saying, “Today we can look at all that has been accomplished in Jewish-Catholic dialogue with gratitude.” This statement underscores the ongoing efforts and dedication of the Catholic Church to foster understanding and collaboration between the two faiths.