Cites pope’s strong statement against antisemitism
The International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC), the official representative of world Jewry in dialogue with the Vatican, Ecumenical Patriarchate, World Evangelical Alliance, and World Council of Churches, is composed of 11 major Jewish organizations, bringing together Jews from across denominations and areas of focus in common cause. IJCIC was founded in 1970 to build upon transformational change in Catholic-Jewish relations brought about by the declaration of Nostra Aetate five years earlier.
In response to the death of Pope Francis, Rabbi Mark Dratch, chair of IJCIC, sent a letter on behalf of the organization to Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
He wrote:
On behalf of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC), I extend heartfelt condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. His death marks not only a profound loss for the Catholic Church but also one for the global community, which has benefited immensely from his leadership and vision.
Pope Francis’s extraordinary journey from his humble beginnings in Argentina to becoming the first Jesuit and Latin American pope was marked by his deep-rooted values of inclusivity and compassion, values which shaped his leadership throughout his papacy.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis consistently spoke out against antisemitism. We remember with great appreciation the pope’s remarks to the IJCIC delegation on June 24, 2013, the first official meeting of a Jewish delegation with the pope after his appointment. He said at the time,
“In that Council text (paragraph 4 of the Declaration Nostra Aetate), the Church recognizes that ‘the beginnings of its faith and election are to be found in the patriarchs, Moses and prophets’. And, with regard to the Jews, the Council recalls the teaching of Saint Paul, who wrote ‘the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable’ and who also firmly condemned hatred, persecution and all forms of anti-Semitism. Due to our common roots, a Christian cannot be anti-Semitic!
“The fundamental principles expressed by the Declaration have marked the path of greater awareness and mutual understanding trodden these last decades by Jews and Catholics, a path which my predecessors have strongly encouraged, both by very significant gestures and by the publication of a series of documents to deepen the thinking about theological bases of the relations between Jews and Christians. It is a journey for which we must surely give thanks to God.”
Furthermore, his condemnation of antisemitism during his final public appearance just the day before he died resonated deeply within our community.
In his meetings with families of Israeli hostages brutally taken and held by Hamas, Pope Francis demonstrated his profound empathy and compassion, offering solace and hope in times of unimaginable sorrow. These gestures of solidarity exemplified his dedication to fostering peace and understanding.
His efforts to build bridges among faiths have been invaluable, particularly in promoting interfaith dialogue. The outreach he initiated with diverse religious communities, including Jewish leaders, has helped cultivate a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Pope Francis’s call for environmental stewardship in his encyclical “Laudato Si” struck a profound chord with many, reinforcing the moral imperative to protect our planet for future generations. His courageous stance on social justice issues reflects a profound commitment to the teachings of compassion and mercy.
As we mourn this significant loss, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of hope, empathy, and a vision for a more inclusive and caring world. We stand in solidarity with our Catholic friends during this time of grief and reflection.
Please extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Catholic community. May Pope Francis’s memory be a blessing, inspiring us all to continue striving for justice, peace, and mutual respect among all peoples.
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Contact:
Rabbi Mark Dratch
IJCIC
12038589691
[email protected]
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