The Pope against anti-Semitism

“On the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration Nostra Aetate, I stated that ‘the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and combats it, on the basis of the Gospel itself’. Differences of opinion, however profound, must never give rise to prejudice and hostility, which undermine the moral foundations of our society.” These words were spoken yesterday by Pope Leo XIV whilst receiving a delegation from the American Jewish Committee in audience at the Vatican. The Pontiff once again reaffirmed his categorical rejection of any anti-Semitic tendencies, whilst also rejecting the conflation – often made in the media – between the current government of the State of Israel and Judaism in general.

Prevost, who since the beginning of the papacy has been engaged in a patient yet complicated process of mending relations with both the Israeli political authorities and the Jewish religious authorities, has never succumbed to theories about an ongoing genocide in Gaza (Pope Francis, on the other hand, went so far as to suggest that the matter should be investigated, sparking the wrath of the Israeli embassy to the Holy See). Leone has always maintained a position of extreme balance: Israel must be able to live in safety alongside a new Palestinian state (this is the Vatican’s customary position on the issue, held for several decades); it is legitimate to criticise government policies, but anti-Semitism must never be given credence. “Addressing the Executive Council of your Committee in 1995”, John Paul II “observed that dialogue between Christians and Jews must find eloquent expression in the life of both our communities. These words remain relevant even today, as evidenced by your organisation’s constant commitment to dialogue and collaboration with the Catholic Church”. The work of mending fences continues, patiently.