Pope reiterates Church’s condemnation of anti-Semitism

In an October 22 audience with leaders of the American Jewish Committee, the Pontiff expressed “gratitude to all who continue to build relationships, grounded in sincerity and mutual respect, between our respective communities. Rooted in our shared spiritual heritage, this friendship also calls us to defend human dignity, to serve the poor, to protect religious freedom and to promote justice and peace”.

“Essential to this commitment is the rejection of all forms of religious and ethnic hatred and discrimination,” he said.

Pope Leo referenced the 60th anniversary last year of the declaration Nostra Aetate from the Second Vatican Council, when he affirmed that “the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights against 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. In a world wounded by violence and mistrust, this commitment to fraternity is especially urgent,” the Pope said on October 22.

Rabbi Noam Marans, the American Jewish Committee’s director of interreligious affairs, said “It is particularly poignant that we are able to reaffirm our joint commitment to Catholic-Jewish relations in person not only with Vatican officials, but with Pope Leo himself, who on the occasion of his inauguration reached out directly to AJC and the Jewish community”.

Addressing the leaders of the committee, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin reiterated the Holy See’s firm rejection of anti-Semitism “in all its forms.”

Cardinal Parolin also distinguished anti-Semitism from criticism of Israeli policies, saying “Jewish identity, religious faith and the policies of a government are interconnected issues; however, the Holy See maintains that they are not interchangeable and should not be conflated”.

“Diplomatic discussion and reasoned criticism of government policies are the foundation of international relations. They must remain possible without being conflated with hostility toward any specific group, or, indeed, toward any religious faith,” the cardinal said.

FULL STORY

Pope Leo reiterates Church’s condemnation of anti-Semitism (Catholic Culture)

Cardinal Parolin condemns anti-Semitism, distinguishes it from criticism of Israeli policies (Catholic Culture)