Pope Francis condemns a “worrying” resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe and urges the continuation of dialogue between Christians and Jews.
Speaking during a meeting with the Conference of the European Rabbis (CER), a first since the organization was founded in 1956, the pope calls on all Christians to stand firm against anti-Semitism.
“The anti-Semitic tendencies and certain acts of hatred and violence in Europe are of concern. Every Christian cannot but be firm in the condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism,” he says.
He urges the two faiths to continue the dialogue that has progressed “systematically for almost half a century.”
Pope Francis has made interfaith dialogue a cornerstone of his papacy and has spoken out against anti-Semitism in the past.
Pope Francis arrives to celebrates an Armenian-Rite Mass on the occasion of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican Sunday, April 12, 2015. (photo credit: AP/Gregorio Borgia)
Monday’s comments come after a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in Europe.
Moscow’s Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, who is also president of CER, says Jews in Europe were the “collateral damage” of an anti-Muslim offensive orchestrated by the extreme right.
The CER is one of the leading voices of Judaism in Europe and brings together more than 700 Jewish religious leaders.
— AFP
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