During the Second Vatican Council, 1962-1965, there was a change in the way Catholics related to Jews. The Council said “Christ’s death could not be attributed to Jews as a whole, recognized the shared spiritual patrimony between Christians and Jews and decried all forms of anti-Semitism.” This position dramatically changed the relations between the two nations. Popes have since then expressed esteem for Jews. John Paul II called them “elder brothers” of Christians.
On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis called for greater interfaith collaboration in the face of religious extremism. Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists were in the VIP seats for his general audience as he explained the importance of the Council declaration “Nostra Aetate” which revolutionized the church’s relations with Jews. He said the declaration transformed Catholic-Jewish relations from “indifference and opposition to collaboration and good will. From enemies and strangers we became friends and brothers.”
“We can walk together, taking care of one another and of creation,” Francis said.
The Jewish-Catholic relationship was one of the worst because of the demonization of the Jews by Catholics over the centuries. The Holocaust was a consequence of this demonization. The Catholic Church has apologized to Jews for its attitude and actions.
Now the relationship between Catholics and Jews is very good. The apologies and friendship has been very effective in bringing religions together with Rome. Rome seeks to reconcile with all religions to bring them into collaboration and friendship. A global religion requires global reconciliation.
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,” Revelation 13:8
“The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of the papacy that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The papacy that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty and slew the saints of the Most High.” The Great Controversy, page 571
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