Pope denounces populism as fertile ground to foment anti-Semitism

Pontiff says doctrine that has gained popularity in Western world is born of ‘selfish indifference,’ gives rapid rise to hatred

By AP and ToI Staff 20 January 2020, 7:51 pm

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Pope Francis stands at the window of the Apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's Square during the weekly Angelus prayer on January 19, 2020, in the Vatican. (Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)

VATICAN CTIY — Pope Francis on Monday denounced populism, saying it is born of “selfish indifference” and provides fertile terrain for hatred, including anti-Semitism.

Francis spoke while meeting with a delegation from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a human rights organization that fights anti-Semitism.

The pontiff noted that in 2016, during a pilgrimage to Poland, he prayed at the site of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Francis decried the recent “barbaric resurgence of anti-Semitism,” and said that populism provides a fertile terrain where “hate rapidly grows.”

Much of Europe, where populist parties have gained traction, has seen an uptick in anti-Semitic incidents.

Francis said that by encouraging integration and mutual understanding, hatred can be countered.

He added: “I’ll never tire of firmly condemning every form of anti-Semitism.”

In November, Francis denounced the “inhuman, un-Christian” rebirth of anti-Semitism, lamenting its resurgence, after the world thought the “brutalities” of the Holocaust were over.