As the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, Catholics were invited to reflect on both the horrors of the past and the moral responsibilities of the present. The observance commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp 81 years ago and honors the millions of victims of the Holocaust, the majority of whom were Jewish.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV marked the day with a public message reaffirming the Church’s long-standing rejection of antisemitism. Writing on his Pontifex account, the Pope stated that “the Church remains faithful to the unwavering position of the Declaration Nostra Aetate against every form of antisemitism,” adding that “the Church rejects any discrimination or harassment based on ethnicity, language, nationality, or religion.”
An Urgent Message from Sister Sara – Please Watch
International Holocaust Remembrance Day was established by the United Nations in 2005 and this year marks its 25th anniversary. The date was chosen to coincide with the liberation of Auschwitz, where more than one million people were murdered. According to Vatican News, the Holocaust remains a defining warning to humanity about the consequences of hatred, racism, and indifference left unchallenged.
The United Nations has emphasized that remembrance is not only about history, but about education and prevention. Its founding resolution urges nations to “develop educational programmes” so that future generations understand the Holocaust and work to prevent genocide. The theme of this year’s observance, “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights,” highlights the enduring connection between memory and moral responsibility.
Vatican News reports that antisemitism continues to rise globally, with denial and distortion of the Holocaust posing serious threats to historical truth. A report cited by the United Nations notes a “400% increase in hateful content” across Europe. In response, remembrance is described as an act that “defies denial and distortion, rejects falsehoods, confronts hatred, and insists on the humanity of the victims.”
For Catholics, the day serves as a call to conscience. Remembering the Holocaust challenges believers to defend the dignity of every human person and to reject all forms of prejudice. As the United Nations stated, “in honoring the victims of the Holocaust, we reaffirm our common humanity and commit to defending the dignity and human rights of all people.”
Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Church teaches, is not only about remembering what was lost, but about ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
