Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s strong opposition to antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, while encouraging deeper cooperation between Christians and Jews in promoting peace, human dignity and the common good.
Pope made the remarks on Monday during a meeting at the Vatican with representatives of the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York, one of the largest Jewish philanthropic organizations in the world.
Welcoming the delegation, Pope Leo expressed appreciation for the Federation’s humanitarian work, which supports vulnerable communities in New York, Israel and more than seventy countries around the world. The organization provides assistance to the poor, refugees, elderly people and persons with disabilities through a wide range of social and charitable programs.
Pope praised these efforts as a reflection of respect for human dignity and fraternity, values that closely align with the Catholic Church’s mission of promoting integral human development and care for those in need.
“These efforts reflect a clear recognition of human dignity and fraternity,” Pope Leo said, noting that helping vulnerable people is a practical expression of love for one’s neighbour.
Pope also highlighted the deep spiritual and historical bonds shared by Christians and Jews. He recalled the common heritage rooted in biblical figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, emphasizing that this shared history continues to serve as a foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation.
A central theme of Pope’s address was the landmark Second Vatican Council declaration Nostra aetate, which transformed relations between the Catholic Church and followers of other religions. Referring to the document, Pope Leo said it opened a new era marked by encounter, respect and spiritual hospitality.
The declaration, issued in 1965, remains one of the most significant documents in modern Catholic Jewish relations. It rejected antisemitism and affirmed the dignity of every human person, regardless of race, religion, social condition or background.
“Recognizing the inherent dignity of all men and women, Nostra aetate took a firm stand against antisemitism,” Pope said.
He stressed that the document also rejected every form of discrimination and harassment based on race, colour, religion or social status, while reminding believers that all people belong to one human family.
Pope Leo noted that the message of Nostra aetate remains especially relevant today as many parts of the world continue to experience conflict, division and intolerance.
“In a world still wounded by division and conflict, it called us to move beyond past misunderstandings toward collaboration for the common good,” he said.
Pope further encouraged continued cooperation between Christians and Jews in addressing social challenges and supporting those who suffer from poverty, exclusion and injustice.
He described service to the poor and marginalized as a way of encountering the sacred, suggesting that God’s voice can often be heard through the experiences and needs of vulnerable people.
As the meeting concluded, Pope Leo thanked the Federation for its commitment to helping those in need and for its efforts to combat hatred and intolerance. He expressed hope that its work would continue to strengthen dialogue and friendship between different religious communities.
Pope ended by offering his encouragement for the organization’s mission, saying that greater mutual understanding and cooperation are essential for building a more peaceful and just world.
“May your mission strengthen dialogue, deepen mutual understanding and contribute to the peace so greatly needed in our world,” he said.
The meeting reflected the Vatican’s continuing commitment to fostering positive relations with the Jewish community and promoting a spirit of respect and collaboration among people of different faiths.