Pope warns of 'threat of anti-Semitism' in Europe

World

Published: 2021-09-12 13:14

Last Updated: 2024-03-27 09:53


Source: Reuters
Source: Reuters

Pope Francis Sunday warned of the "threat of anti-Semitism" in Europe and abroad in a speech to Christian and Jewish religious leaders during his visit to Hungary, where he met Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

"I believe that the danger of anti-Semitism still lurks in Europe and elsewhere. This is a fuse that must not be allowed to ignite, and the best way to defuse it is to work together in a positive way and strengthen fraternity," the pope said.

The pontiff, a staunch advocate of interfaith dialogue, praised their efforts in their countries to "break down the separation wall in the past" and work to "change the outlook".

He added, "Jews and Christians, you must see the other not as a foreigner but as a friend; not as an adversary but as a brother."

Relations between Catholics and Jews took a new start thanks to the document "Nostra Iati" issued at the conclusion of the proceedings of the Second Vatican Council in 1965, which calls for respect for Judaism.

In 2019, Pope Francis expressed his dissatisfaction with the escalation of anti-Semitic attacks in various countries.

These attacks did not reach Hungary, which includes the largest Jewish community in Central Europe, and it is estimated that their number is about 100,000 people.

The government has officially declared a "zero tolerance" policy toward anti-Semitism, and is promoting investments in the restoration and maintenance of many synagogues and Jewish cemeteries.

In 1920, the country enacted the first interwar anti-Semitic law in Europe, encouraged by Miklos Horthy, who later became an ally of Hitler and remained in power until 1944.