Pope Leo XIV Seeks Renewed Catholic-Jewish Dialogue Amid Gaza Tensions

Pope Leo XIV has reached out to Jewish communities globally, emphasizing a renewed commitment to fostering dialogue, amidst heightened tensions between the Vatican and Israel following the Gaza conflict. The communication came via a letter addressed to Rabbi Noam Marans, highlighting the pope's intent to reinforce interreligious engagement.

In his message, Leo underlined the significance of the Second Vatican Council's Nostra Aetate declaration, which marked a turning point in Catholic-Jewish relations by rejecting the notion of collective Jewish culpability for Jesus's death and advocating for interfaith dialogue.

A source from the Vatican confirmed Rabbi Marans is expected to attend Pope Leo's inaugural Mass, along with numerous other international Jewish leaders. Meanwhile, relations remain fraught following recent conflicts, with prior interactions strained by differing stances on military actions in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)