Pope Leo XIV Reaffirms Catholic Opposition to Antisemitism, EJA Calls for Action
The European Jewish Association praised Pope Leo XIV’s statement that the Catholic Church rejects antisemitism and urged concrete steps such as education and local partnerships.
The European Jewish Association issued a statement on X applauding Pope Leo XIV’s declaration that the Catholic Church rejects and combats antisemitism. The pope’s comments came following a meeting with representatives of the American Jewish Committee at the Vatican, where he recalled the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Nostra aetate declaration. He stressed that the Church’s stance is rooted in the Gospel and that differences of opinion should never lead to prejudice or hostility.
The association urged that this commitment be translated into concrete actions, including educational initiatives, local partnerships with Jewish communities, and a shared defense of religious freedom. Additionally, the pope called on Christians and Jews to collaborate in defending human dignity, serving the poor, protecting religious liberty, and promoting peace.
Why it matters
The pope’s stance reinforces interfaith cooperation and signals ongoing Catholic efforts to combat antisemitism worldwide.
How this story developed
- Oct 14 Pope Leo XIV recovers steadily after lung surgery
- Oct 16 Pope Leo XIV called Vladimir Putin by phone, asking for a cease-fire in Oleschky to allow food, medical aid and safe evacuation of civilians.
- Oct 16 Pope Leo celebrated Mass at Gemelli Hospital and a medical bulletin reported improvement in his condition.
- Oct 16 Putin’s call to the pope included discussion of a short‑term humanitarian pause for Oleshky.
- Oct 17 Pope Leo XIV is expected to recite the Angelus from the 10th-floor balcony of Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, with Italian police coordinating security.
- Oct 17 The Pope has moved from hospital care to discharge and will resume public duties.
- Oct 18 He left the hospital feeling well and cancelled audiences through Tuesday.
- Oct 18 He appeared at the Vatican window on Sunday delivering the Angelus after discharge.
- Oct 20 Pope Leo asked Ukrainian President Zelensky to cooperate with Russia on delivering aid to Oleshky.
- Oct 21 The pope led the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
- Oct 21 Doctors say Pope Leo XIV does not require additional therapy following the removal of a cancerous lung nodule.
- Oct 21 Physicians confirmed the tumor was localized and that no additional cancer treatment is required.
- Oct 22 The Vatican announced that no further oncological treatment will be required.
- Oct 22 Doctors said no additional therapy is required after the surgery.
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