Pope Leo calls for deepening Jewish-Christian dialogue
Pope Leo XIV speaking at a solemn event dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Vatican declaration "Nostra Aetate". Photo: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
On October 28, 2025, the Vatican celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's declaration "Nostra Aetate", which laid the foundations for dialogue between the Catholic Church and other religions, reports Vatican News.
At the anniversary events, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of strengthening Judeo-Christian relations amid rising anti-Semitism and global conflicts.
Signed on October 28, 1965, by Pope Paul VI, the Second Vatican Council's declaration "Nostra Aetate" became a historic document that laid the foundation for a culture of respect and dialogue between religions. Over the past 60 years, it has defined the direction of interfaith relations of the Catholic Church.
"Even in these difficult times, marked by conflicts and misunderstandings, it is necessary to continue the momentum of this precious dialogue of ours," stated the pontiff, opening the celebrations. According to him, interreligious communication is not a temporary measure, but "a way of life – a journey of the heart that transforms everyone involved".
Speaking about the significance of the document, Pope Leo XIV emphasized its enduring relevance, saying it "takes a firm stand against all forms of antisemitism" and remained “highly relevant today".
The Pope linked the anniversary of Nostra Aetate with contemporary challenges, emphasizing that the Church must remain a voice of peace.
The event was attended by leaders of various religious communities. "Never in the relationship of Catholics and Jews since ‘Nostra Aetate’ has the Jewish people been more in need of friends who commit themselves to combating antisemitism with every fiber of their being," noted Rabbi Noam Marans, expressing hope that the Vatican will continue to actively oppose any manifestations of hatred.
Concluding the meeting, the pontiff called for practical steps of mutual understanding: "Our words must become deeds – in education, in joint initiatives, and in supporting those who suffer. This is how trust and peace are built."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Vatican published the program of Pope Leo's first trip to Turkey.
Read also
DESS head: Revival of Judaism in Ukraine is a true miracle
Viktor Yelensky opened a school for Jewish boys in Anativka.
Metropolitan Onuphry shares how Saint Nicholas leads people to faith
In his sermon on the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas, the Primate of the UOC gave an example of a Soviet family that turned to the saint in despair and found faith.
Priest of Pokrovsk Vicariate of UOC killed in Kostiantynivka shelling
Archpriest Valeriy Voskresensky consciously remained at his parish in the Donetsk region, despite the constant threat of shelling.
Verkhovna Rada to consider bill on pornography decriminalization
The bill on decriminalizing pornography proposes to remove criminal liability for the production and distribution of pornography between adults.
Metropolitan Onuphry leads Liturgy at Intercession Monastery of Kyiv
On the Feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas's Cathedral of the Intercession Monastery and offered prayers for peace in the Ukrainian land.
Persecuted community of Verkhni Stanivtsi celebrates archpastoral Liturgy
For the second year in a row, the parishioners have been celebrating their patronal feast day outside the walls of their church, which was seized by OCU supporters with police backing in April 2025.