Pope Leo Condemns Rising Antisemitism on Nostra Aetate Anniversary

On the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the declaration that reshaped Catholic-Jewish relations, Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful warning about the global rise of antisemitism and called on religious leaders to reject hatred in all its forms.

“Nostra Aetate takes a firm stand against all forms of antisemitism,” Pope Leo said during remarks Tuesday at the Vatican. “We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly or sisterly way any man or woman created in the image of God.”

The Pope’s comments come amid an alarming surge in antisemitic attacks worldwide, from physical assaults in major Western cities to institutional bias in media, politics, and academia. Religious leaders and world governments have largely failed to confront the rising tide of anti-Jewish sentiment but Pope Leo is making it clear the Catholic Church will not be silent.

“Sixty years ago, a seed of hope for interreligious dialogue was planted,” the Pope said, referring to Nostra Aetate, Latin for “In Our Time.” “Today, your presence bears witness that this seed has grown into a mighty tree… bearing the rich fruits of understanding, friendship, cooperation, and peace.”

Nostra Aetate, issued in 1965 during the Second Vatican Council, marked a watershed moment for the Church. It recognized the Jewish roots of Christianity and directly rejected the centuries-old claim that Jews were collectively responsible for the death of Jesus a lie that fueled generations of Christian antisemitism.

Key teachings from Nostra Aetate include:

• The Church acknowledges the spiritual bond between Christians and Jews, declaring that Christianity’s beginnings are rooted among Abraham, Moses, and the prophets.

• It rejects the notion that Jews are “rejected or accursed by God.”

• It decries all forms of antisemitism, affirming that hatred “directed against Jews at any time and by anyone” is contrary to the Gospel.

“The Church cannot forget that she received the revelation of the Old Testament through the people with whom God concluded the Ancient Covenant,” the declaration states.

Pope Leo also recalled how Nostra Aetate was born from a bold move by Pope John XXIII, who tasked Cardinal Augustin Bea with drafting a new vision for Jewish-Christian relations. The fourth chapter of the document, Leo said, became its “heart and generative core.”

But Tuesday’s remarks weren’t just a history lesson they were a direct rebuke of modern-day antisemitism disguised as political rhetoric or academic critique. The Pope called for religious leaders across all traditions to lead the charge against hate and raise a new generation of “prophets of our time.”

“We share a sacred responsibility: to help our people break free from the chains of prejudice, anger and hatred… to become voices that denounce violence and injustice, heal division, and proclaim peace.”

At a time when college campuses, global institutions, and even some political movements have mainstreamed anti-Jewish narratives, Pope Leo’s stance serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of forgetting history.

As the world faces growing chaos and division, the message of Nostra Aetate and the clarity of moral leadership from voices like Pope Leo has never been more vital.

Share this with someone who needs to hear that religious truth still matters and subscribe to our newsletter for more stories that challenge the cultural silence.