Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Church's stance against antisemitism and all forms of religious discrimination, recalling the work of St. John Paul II in promoting dialogue between Catholics and Jews.
The pontiff held a private audience on Thursday with a delegation from the American Jewish Committee, one of several meetings he has held with Jewish leaders since his election as pope in 2025.
During the audience, coinciding with the liturgical feast day of St. John Paul II, Leo praised the Polish pope's efforts to advance Catholic-Jewish dialogue, recalling his address to their delegation in 1995.
"Addressing the board of governors of your committee in 1995, he observed that 'dialogue between Christians and Jews must find eloquent expression in the life of both our communities,'" Leo said in his address.
"These words remain relevant today, as reflected in your organization's long-standing commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the Catholic Church."
As he did in June during a meeting with the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York, Leo reflected on the progress of Catholic-Jewish dialogue since the 1965 publication of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council's declaration condemning all forms of antisemitism.
"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. Essential to this commitment is the rejection of all forms of religious and ethnic hatred and discrimination," Leo said.
Reiterating the Church's stance against antisemitism, he added that differences of opinion between Catholics and Jews "must never give rise to prejudice and hostility" and that fraternity between them will "certainly contribute to building a more peaceful world."
