Pope Leo pleads with Israeli, Iranian leaders to step back from war It is the duty of all countries to initiate “paths of reconciliation,” the pontiff said, urging the warring parties to appeal to “reason.” JNS Staff June 14, 2025
After meeting pope, US Jewish leaders do not expect substantial changes from Vatican on Israel “Considering the pressures on the church from both within and without, dramatic changes are rare,” David Michaels, of B’nai B’rith, told JNS. Vita Fellig May 20, 2025
Pope Leo XIV, AI and Israel Christian-Jewish relations have been impacted throughout history by the Catholic Church’s responses to major technological shifts. Daniel Friedman May 19, 2025
Lebanese president shakes hands with Israeli Druze leader at Vatican Beirut has distanced itself from the rare public encounter, claiming Joseph Aoun was unaware of Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif's identity. May 19, 2025
At papal inauguration, Herzog welcomes pontiff’s nod to hostages Israel's president called Pope Leo XIV’s support a “powerful signal” from the Vatican. May 18, 2025
The pope’s ‘divisions’ and the war against the Jews Non-Catholics need to respect the powerful symbolism of the papacy. But neutrality about a genocidal struggle against Israel’s existence is neither moral nor acceptable. Jonathan S. Tobin May 13, 2025
Pope Leo XIV pledges continued ‘dialogue’ with Jewish people AJC's Rabbi Noam Marans told JNS it is gratifying that “the pope has affirmed the importance of strong Catholic-Jewish relations” so early in his tenure. Izzy Salant May 12, 2025
Pope urges end to Gaza fighting in first Sunday address Pope Leo XIV said he was "deeply pained" by the situation in Gaza amid the war against Hamas. JNS Staff May 11, 2025
Netanyahu congratulates new pope, urges ‘reconciliation among all faiths’ The American-born Leo XIV is also a Peruvian citizen. May 9, 2025
