Pope Leo XIV has reiterated the Catholic Church’s opposition to antisemitism and religious discrimination during a private audience with a delegation from the American Jewish Committee on Thursday.
The meeting was one of several engagements the pontiff has held with Jewish leaders since his election as pope in 2025.
During the audience, Leo highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Catholics and Jews, drawing on the legacy of St. John Paul II and his efforts to strengthen relations between the two religious communities.
Leo XIV Highlights John Paul II’s Legacy of Dialogue
The meeting coincided with the liturgical feast day of St. John Paul II, giving the pope an opportunity to recall the former pontiff’s contribution to Catholic-Jewish relations.
Leo referred to an address delivered by John Paul II to the American Jewish Committee’s board of governors in 1995, in which the late pope stressed the importance of dialogue between the two communities.
“Dialogue between Christians and Jews must find eloquent expression in the life of both our communities,” Leo quoted him as saying.
The current pontiff said those words remained relevant, pointing to the American Jewish Committee’s longstanding commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the Catholic Church.
Church Reaffirms Rejection of Religious and Ethnic Hatred
Leo also addressed the progress made in Catholic-Jewish relations since the Second Vatican Council issued Nostra Aetate in 1965.
The declaration condemned antisemitism and helped establish an important foundation for relations between the Catholic Church and other religions.
Reflecting on that legacy, Leo said the friendship between Catholics and Jews was rooted in their shared spiritual heritage and carried responsibilities beyond religious dialogue.
“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,” he said.
He added that rejecting religious and ethnic hatred and discrimination was essential to fulfilling those responsibilities.
Pope Says Differences Must Not Lead to Hostility
The pontiff stressed that disagreements between Catholics and Jews should not become a source of prejudice or hostility.
He reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to antisemitism and called for continued efforts to strengthen mutual understanding between the two communities.
Leo said fraternity between Catholics and Jews could contribute to the broader goal of building a more peaceful world.
His remarks reinforced the Catholic Church’s stated commitment to opposing religious discrimination while promoting dialogue, cooperation and respect between faith communities.
Continued Engagement With Jewish Leaders
The audience followed another meeting in June, when Leo met representatives of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York and reflected on developments in Catholic-Jewish relations since Nostra Aetate was published.
Through these engagements, the pope has continued to emphasise the importance of maintaining dialogue between the Catholic Church and Jewish organisations, while rejecting antisemitism and other forms of religious and ethnic discrimination.
