Jewish groups mourn Pope Francis, ‘friend of the Jewish people,’ but some are critical Some voices take issue with the late leader of the Catholic Church over his statements condemning Israeli actions in its war in Gaza
Jewish organizations around the world responded to the death of Pope Francis on Monday, with many honoring him for advancing the Catholic Church’s relationship with Israel and the Jewish people, while some criticized him, particularly for his statements condemning Israel’s actions during the war in Gaza.
The pope, as leader of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church, was usually careful about taking sides in conflicts, but had recently been more outspoken about Israel’s military campaign against Hamas.
His condemnation of Israeli airstrikes during his annual Christmas address last December was received with fury by Israel, which accused him of maintaining “double standards.”
World Jewish Congress president Ronald Lauder lauded Pope Francis as “a true moral leader, a man of deep faith and humanity, and a steadfast friend to the Jewish people.” However, he said, regarding Francis’s comments about Israel, “There were moments of difficulty, particularly in recent months.”
The American Jewish Committee noted that Francis “repeatedly condemned antisemitism and characterized it as both a sin against God and un-Christian.” Regarding Francis’s response to the war in Gaza, the AJC statement treaded lightly.
UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis responded to Pope Francis’s death without commenting on his legacy.
