Leo XIV Praises "Global Jewish Philanthropy"

Today, Pope Leo XIV received a delegation from the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York (UJA-Federation) in the Apostolic Palace.

Founded in 1917, the UJA-Federation is among the world's largest Jewish philanthropic organizations, supporting “the poor”, refugees, and other vulnerable populations in New York, Israel, and more than seventy countries worldwide.

Welcoming the delegation, Leo XIV praised the organization as an instrument of global Jewish philanthropy. It demonstrates a profound commitment to human fraternity that resonates with the Church's own vision of integral human development.

Leo XIV Rejects Discrimination Based on Religion

Leo XIV recalled that sixty-six years ago, in 1960, Pope John XXIII welcomed a delegation from the same organization with the memorable words, "I am Joseph, your brother" (Genesis 45:4).

Then, Leo XIV observed that this encounter helped inspire a new era in Catholic-Jewish relations and contributed to the development of the Second Vatican Council's declaration Nostra Aetate.

Describing Nostra Aetate as a turning point in relations between Catholics and Jews, the Pope said the document opened "a new horizon of encounter, respect and spiritual hospitality."

“Recognizing the intrinsic dignity of all men and women, Nostra Aetate took a firm stand against antisemitism and declared that the Church rejects every form of discrimination or harassment on account of race, color, condition of life, or religion.”

Picture: Vatican Media, #newsRlzuftvbty