Pope Leo XIV received a delegation from the American Jewish Committee this Thursday, October 22, at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, before whom he reaffirmed the Church’s commitment against antisemitism and highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue and mutual respect between Catholics and Jews.
During the meeting, held on the liturgical memorial of Saint John Paul II, the Pontiff recalled his predecessor’s contribution to rapprochement between both communities and evoked the sixtieth anniversary of the conciliar declaration Nostra aetate. He also noted that friendship between Jews and Catholics must translate into the defense of human dignity, religious freedom, justice, and peace.
Address of the Holy Father Leo XIV to the delegation of the American Jewish Committee
Distinguished members of the American Jewish Committee:
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Vatican on this day when the Church especially remembers my beloved predecessor, Saint John Paul II, whose work greatly contributed to fostering friendship between Jews and Catholics. Addressing your Committee’s Board of Governors in 1995, he observed that «the dialogue between Christians and Jews must find eloquent expression in the life of both communities» (February 6, 1995). These words remain relevant today, as reflected in your organization’s long-standing commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the Catholic Church. Therefore, I welcome this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those who continue to build relationships, founded on sincerity and mutual respect, between our respective communities.
Rooted in our shared spiritual heritage, this friendship also calls us to defend human dignity, serve the poor, protect religious freedom, and promote justice and peace. The rejection of all forms of hatred and discrimination based on religious or ethnic grounds is essential to this commitment. In this regard, on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Nostra aetate of the Second Vatican Council, I affirmed that «the Church does not tolerate antisemitism and combats it, by reason of the Gospel itself» (General Audience, October 29, 2025). However, differences of opinion, however deep they may be, must never give rise to prejudice or hostility, which undermine the moral foundations of our society.
In a world wounded by violence and distrust, this commitment to fraternity takes on particular urgency. Indeed, «the witness of our fraternity, which I hope we can manifest through concrete gestures, will undoubtedly contribute to building a more peaceful world, as all men and women of good will deeply desire in their hearts» (Address to representatives of other Churches and ecclesial communities and of other religions, May 19, 2025).
With these sentiments, I thank you once again for your visit and assure you of my prayers.
Shalom!