Pope Leo XIV's gestures during the weekly general audience inside Paul VI hall at the Vatican on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP via Getty Images)
Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal for an end to antisemitism during his address at the Vatican on January 24, 2024. This plea coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to honoring the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. The pope’s message emphasized the need for a world free from prejudice, oppression, and racism.
During his weekly general audience, Pope Leo stated, “I ask God for the gift of a world with no more antisemitism and no more prejudice, oppression, or persecution of any human being.” He urged global leaders to stay vigilant against mass violence and to ensure that “the horror of genocide may never again fall upon any people.” His call to action resonated strongly, underscoring the responsibility of leaders to combat all forms of discrimination.
The pope further declared, “The Church rejects any discrimination or harassment based on ethnicity, language, nationality, or religion.” This statement reflects a broader commitment within the Catholic Church to foster inclusivity and respect among diverse communities. According to a recent Vatican statement, Pope Leo asserted, “Let us fight against all forms of antisemitism,” reinforcing the Church’s stance against hatred.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 27, was established by the United Nations to commemorate the lives lost during World War II. This observance serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the importance of preventing such violence in the future.
Pope Leo XIV, who ascended to the papacy in May 2023, has consistently condemned antisemitism throughout his tenure. His remarks are in line with those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who also spoke out against antisemitism on numerous occasions during his papacy. The improved relations between the Catholic Church and the Jewish community in recent decades reflect a significant shift, moving away from centuries of hostility and theological conflict.
As Pope Leo XIV continues to lead the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church, his advocacy for a world devoid of prejudice resonates with many. His commitment to fighting antisemitism and promoting tolerance marks a vital step toward healing and understanding among diverse faiths and cultures.
