Opinion

‘Nostra Aetate’: 60 years of fostering understanding in Jewish-Catholic relations

The declaration of the Second Vatican Council revolutionized the Catholic Church’s attitude toward Judaism and the Jewish people.

A view of St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican City. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
A view of St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican City. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Robert Singer. Credit: Courtesy.
Robert Singer
Robert Singer is chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact and the former CEO of the World Jewish Congress and World ORT.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of Nostra Aetate—a historic milestone that deserves recognition for its profound significance in fostering mutual understanding and combating antisemitism, especially in the Catholic world.

Latin for “In Our Time,” the declaration of the Second Vatican Council, an ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, revolutionized the church’s position and attitude toward Judaism and the Jewish people, ending the ubiquitous “deicide” slander claiming that Jews killed Jesus Christ, official attempts to convert Jews and stressing the bonds and roots between the Jewish and Catholic faiths.

As we celebrate the fruits of this foundation, Nostra Aetate continues to resonate in efforts to combat prejudice and promote peace. Its legacy reminds us that true interfaith cooperation rests on recognizing shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to truth and justice.

The Vatican’s commitment to dialogue with the Jewish community has played a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of Jewish-Catholic relations since the declaration of the Second Vatican Council. This was and continues to be felt at all levels of the Jewish and Catholic worlds, where the ancient relationship was reset after centuries of religious persecution of the Jewish people.

It would be fitting for Pope Francis to mark this anniversary by issuing a renewed call for interfaith understanding.

While Jewish-Catholic relations have undergone a revolution, relations between Israel and the Holy See, which officially began in 1993, have been more of a rocky road. There have been seemingly never-ending negotiations on issues of land, historic rights and taxation.

It is impossible to separate dialogue with Jews from dialogue with the Jewish state, as is currently the case in institutionalized frameworks. These aspects are intertwined and influence one another, as we have witnessed since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Last week, I participated in constructive meetings with senior Vatican officials to address some of these longstanding challenges. We discussed ways to strengthen relations, including joint efforts to combat prejudice, promote dialogue and enhance mutual understanding. One particularly promising topic was the potential for youth-focused initiatives to foster interfaith cooperation and understanding. These meetings also noted an upcoming visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the Vatican in February, a significant opportunity to advance these processes further.

While the words of the pope and other senior Catholic officials are deeply meaningful, they also carry enormous weight and can be easily misused.

In places like Kenya, for example, papal statements have been exploited to amplify anti-Israel rhetoric, despite the Vatican’s longstanding position of neutrality and support for peace in the region.

The international impact of papal words calls for a proactive approach to ensure they are not misinterpreted or misused for political purposes. It would be prudent for the Vatican and Jewish leaders to collaborate closer, forming a joint working group to review sensitive messages beforehand. This collaboration could help avoid the unintended amplification of harmful rhetoric, ensuring that the Vatican’s teachings on peace and justice are not distorted.

The pope’s powerful moral voice makes a significant impact by publicly condemning the taking of hostages as a grave violation of human rights. A statement from the Vatican unequivocally denouncing this act would send a strong message that hostage-taking is not only a tactical move but a deeply immoral crime that cannot be ignored.

Looking ahead, the future of Israel-Vatican relations lies in the hands of younger generations.

Promoting educational programs for Israeli decision-makers and Christian leaders is essential. Broader exposure to Israel’s vibrant democratic society, alongside direct interaction with Jewish and Catholic communities, would undoubtedly deepen mutual respect and contribute to building a shared future of peace. It would also serve as a vital introduction to Israel’s religious pluralism and equality and the fact that Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christian communities thrive and grow, including numerically.

As we reflect on the 60-year journey since Nostra Aetate, it is clear that much has been achieved, yet much work remains.

With initiatives such as promoting interfaith understanding, addressing the double standards in rhetoric and fostering youth engagement, we can build on this foundation to secure a stronger, more peaceful future for Israel and the Vatican.

By continuing to honor the legacy of Nostra Aetate, responding to challenges with moral clarity and deepening cooperation between our faiths and peoples, we can ensure that the next 60 years are filled with even greater progress.

The opinions and facts presented in this article are those of the author, and neither JNS nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.
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