Israel-Hamas War Strains Catholic-Jewish Relations on Nostra Aetate 60th Anniversary

The 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the 1965 Vatican II document that transformed Catholic relations with Jews and other religions, comes amid renewed tensions in Jewish-Catholic dialogue due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Pope Francis has expressed concern over antisemitism and called for peace, his criticism of Israel's military actions, including suggestions of possible genocide, has strained relations with many Jewish leaders who feel he has not condemned Hamas strongly enough. Despite these challenges, both Jewish and Catholic leaders remain committed to interfaith dialogue and reconciliation inspired by Nostra Aetate's principles of respect and collaboration. The document itself marked a historic shift from contempt to respect for Jews and other religions, encouraging empathy and dialogue rather than doctrinal polemics. Successive popes have upheld this spirit, promoting interreligious understanding as vital for humanity's future. The anniversary has prompted reflection on the document's ongoing impact and the critical crossroads Jewish-Christian relations currently face.