Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Catholic Church's spiritual bond with the people of Israel during an interfaith gathering in Buenos Aires. The meeting, which took place on November 9 at San Martín Palace, Argentina's Foreign Ministry headquarters, drew attention from Jewish leaders amid growing antisemitism in Europe and elsewhere. The pope stated that the Church has a "sincere respect for what is holy and true in the different religious traditions."
The meeting was attended by around 100 religious leaders, including representatives of various religious communities in Argentina. Pope Leo highlighted the country's history of religious and cultural diversity, describing it as a meeting point of different peoples and traditions. He praised Argentina's tradition of welcoming immigrants, saying that the country's national identity has taken shape as a "melting pot of races, cultures, and religions."
Jewish leaders have welcomed the pope's statement, saying it is a significant gesture, especially at a time when antisemitism is resurfacing in Europe. Isaac Sacca, chief rabbi of the Sephardic community of Buenos Aires, described the meeting as "moving on several levels." He added that the gathering showed that different religious communities can coexist in harmony and peace.
Rabbi Marcelo Polakoff, commissioner for interreligious dialogue of the World Jewish Congress in Latin America, also welcomed the pope's statement. He said that the pope's use of language about honouring the people of Israel was significant and showed a sense of closeness. Polakoff added that Pope Leo is continuing the strong legacy of interreligious dialogue established by his predecessors.
The interfaith gathering was part of Pope Leo's visit to Buenos Aires, which included a visit to a residential care facility for people with disabilities and a Mass at Palermo Park, attended by an estimated crowd of more than two million people. The meeting concluded with a minute of silence for world peace and the victims of violence.
The pope's statement has been seen as a significant gesture towards the Jewish community, particularly in the context of growing antisemitism in Europe. Rabbi Ariel Stofenmacher, rector of the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary, drew a connection between the pope's speech and the historic 1965 Vatican recalibration of the Church's relations with other religions, known as Nostra Aetate.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Rabbi Eliahu Hamra, chief rabbi of AMIA, the main Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires, said that the pope emphasised the need for religions to be guardians of human integrity. He added that the Jewish community is united with the Catholic Church in defending human dignity and upholding the value of every human being.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV reaffirms the Catholic Church's spiritual bond with the people of Israel during an interfaith gathering in Buenos Aires.
