Photo: WJC
On Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he led the Church for over 12 years, having been elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first pontiff from Latin America.
The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) extends its sincere condolences to the entire Catholic world on the passing of the pontiff. Over the years, EAJC leaders held numerous meaningful discussions with Pope Francis, centered around the joint responsibility to combat violence, injustice, antisemitism, and anti-Israel rhetoric.
In a message of remembrance, EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili stated:
“During our last meeting at the World Jewish Congress Forum in the Vatican in November 2022, Pope Francis emphasized the shared mission of the Jewish and Catholic communities: to bring people closer together while honoring their distinct spiritual traditions, and to advance a world in which justice and peace are not distant hopes but lived realities.”
“That same year, he expressed support for the EAJC’s ‘Kishreinu’ initiative—dedicated to fostering dialogue between Catholics and Jews—and offered prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the return of Israeli hostages held by terrorists. I sincerely hope his prayers will be heard, and that his legacy of compassion and mercy will continue.”
“Despite his positive approach to the Jewish people, his public stance on political matters often fell short—especially in addressing acts of aggression against Israel or affirming its right to self-defense. His silence in response to antisemitic expressions voiced by some Islamic leaders, even within the Vatican, remains a matter of concern. Important elements of the Catholic-Jewish relationship, carefully rebuilt in recent decades, are now being put to the test.”
“I extend sincere condolences to Catholic communities in Israel and around the world and express my hope that our dialogue—rooted in honesty and a shared aspiration to repair the world—will endure and grow stronger.”
