Pope Francis Reaffirms Special Relationship between Christians and Jews amidst Rising Antisemitism
In a letter to the Jews of Israel, Pope Francis reaffirmed the special bond between Christians and Jews and expressed concern about the increasing antisemitism in the world. The pope's letter, prompted by messages from Jewish organizations around the world, aimed to mend fences after he was criticized for his initial response to the Hamas attacks on Israel in October.
Describing the Holy Land as being in the midst of an unprecedented spiral of violence, the pope acknowledged the division and hatred that pervades the region. He stated, 'My heart is torn at the sight of what is happening in the Holy Land, by the power of so much division and so much hatred. The whole world looks on at what is happening in that land with apprehension and pain.'
In November, Pope Francis came under fire for his use of the word 'terrorism' in a generic sense, without explicitly condemning the Hamas attack. Jewish leaders criticized his response and were further disconcerted by reports from Palestinian visitors that he had used the term 'genocide' to describe Israel's actions in Gaza. Though the Vatican denied the use of such terminology, the pope has since been more balanced in his remarks and explicitly condemned the Oct. 7 attack.
The letter to Israeli Jews was a response to messages expressing solidarity and concern from friends and Jewish organizations worldwide. Pope Francis reassured them of his closeness and affection, particularly for those experiencing anguish, pain, fear, and anger.
The pope also expressed the Catholic Church's deep concern about the alarming increase in attacks against Jews worldwide. He emphasized the need for collaboration between Jews and Catholics to eradicate these phenomena. In his words, 'We had hoped that 'never again' would be a refrain heard by the new generations, yet now we see that the path ahead requires ever closer collaboration to eradicate these phenomena.'
In his letter, Pope Francis extended his heartfelt prayers for peace in the Holy Land, emphasizing the importance of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between all inhabitants of the region, both Israelis and Palestinians. He envisioned a future where light replaces darkness, friendship replaces hatred, and cooperation replaces war.
The reconciliation between Jews and Catholics, the pope believes, provides a horizon to imagine a world where a destroyed world can be repaired. He called on Jews and Catholics to work together, not only in the Holy Land but also across the globe, to recover the ability to see the image of God in every person, as we were all created in His image.
The letter from Pope Francis serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering understanding, peace, and collaboration between different religions and communities. It highlights the need for unity in combating rising antisemitism and striving for a world where people see the humanity in one another.
