At his Wednesday General Audience on October 29, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message on the enduring importance of Jewish-Catholic friendship and interreligious cooperation, reaffirming that “the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself,” according to Vatican News.
A Legacy of Dialogue
Reflecting on the sixtieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s landmark declaration on relations with non-Christian religions, the Pope praised the “six decades of Jewish-Catholic dialogue,” noting that it has endured “misunderstandings, difficulties, and conflicts,” yet dialogue “has never ceased.” He reminded the faithful that Nostra Aetate represented “a point of no return” for the Church’s understanding of its Jewish roots — the faith “found already among the Patriarchs, Moses and the prophets,” according to the same report.
Building a Better World Together
Pope Leo emphasized that cooperation among religions remains vital in addressing humanity’s most urgent challenges. “The answer is simple: we can act together,” he said. He called on all believers to unite in “alleviating human suffering,” caring for “our common home,” and teaching “truth, compassion, reconciliation, justice and peace.”
He also urged vigilance against “the abuse of the name of God, of religion, and of dialogue itself,” and warned of the moral dangers posed by unregulated artificial intelligence. “If conceived as an alternative to humans, it can gravely violate their infinite dignity,” the Pope said, stressing that faith traditions have “an immense contribution to make to the humanization of technology.”
Rekindling Hope Through Faith
Linking his teaching to the spirit that followed World War II, Pope Leo observed that Nostra Aetate opened “a new horizon of encounter, respect and spiritual hospitality.” Today, he said, religions must again “rekindle that hope in our world, devastated by war and our degraded natural environment.”
“Our religions teach that peace begins in the human heart,” the Pope affirmed. “If we are united, everything is possible. Let us ensure that nothing divides us.”
Dialogue as a Path of Love
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, Pope Leo reflected that authentic dialogue “reveals the essence of God’s presence beyond all boundaries” and is rooted in “sincerity, attentive listening, and mutual enrichment.”
He reminded Catholics that Nostra Aetate continues to guide the Church’s mission: “True dialogue is rooted in love, the only foundation of peace, justice, and reconciliation.” Every Catholic, he added, is called “to involve themselves sincerely in dialogue and in collaboration with the followers of other religions,” recognizing the good, the true, and the holy wherever they are found.
The Pope concluded his catechesis by inviting the faithful to pause for silent prayer, noting that prayer “has the power to transform our attitudes, our thoughts, our words and our actions.”
Through this teaching, Pope Leo XIV renewed the Church’s moral commitment to friendship with the Jewish people and to working with all faiths for the peace, dignity, and hope the world so urgently needs.
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.
