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VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis condemned all forms of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitism, labeling them “sins against God” after witnessing a rise in attacks against Jews around the world.
“(The Church) rejects every form of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitism, considering expressions of hatred toward Jews and Judaism a sin against God,” the pontiff wrote in a Feb. 2 letter to Israel’s Jewish population. Condemns it as such.” Made public on Saturday.
He said, “Together with you, we, Catholics, are deeply concerned about the appalling increase in attacks against Jews around the world. We hoped that ‘never again’ would be heard by new generations.”
The Pope said wars and divisions around the world are escalating into “a kind of world war in pieces”, affecting the lives of many populations.
Francis, 87, condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7 cross-border attack from Gaza into southern Israel. He has also said on several occasions that a two-state solution is needed to end the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
war in israel and gaza
In his letter, the Pope also once again called for the release of those hostages still held by the terrorists.
He said his heart was torn by the conflict in the Holy Land and the division and hatred it has created, adding that the world is watching events in the region with “apprehension and pain.”
Reiterating his call for an end to the war, he assured the Jewish community of his closeness and affection, “especially (those) suffering suffering, pain, fear and even anger”.
Francis said he prayed for peace. “My heart is close to you, the Holy Land, to all who live in it, Israelis and Palestinians, and I pray that the desire for peace may prevail in all.”
(Reporting by Giulia Segreti; Editing by David Holmes)
Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters,
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