The EAJC expresses its condolences on the passing of Pope Francis

Photo: WJC

On Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, passed away at his Vatican residence at the age of 88. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he served in this capacity for over 12 years. Pope Francis was elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, becoming the first representative from Latin America to hold the pontificate.

The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) extends its deepest condolences to the Catholic world on the passing of the Pontiff. The leadership of the EAJC had repeatedly engaged in discussions with him regarding joint efforts to combat violence and injustice globally, as well as to counter anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric in public discourse.

In his official message, the President of the EAJC, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, stated:

"During our last meeting at the major assembly of the World Jewish Congress in the Vatican in November 2022, Pope Francis emphasized the special duty of both spiritual communities—Catholic and Jewish—to foster closer relations between people while preserving their respective religious and cultural traditions, and to promote universal justice, ensuring that 'peace' is not merely a distant promise but a tangible reality.

It was also in 2022 that Pope Francis endorsed the WJC's 'Kishreinu' initiative, aimed at strengthening the dialogue between Catholics and Jews. The Pontiff prayed for peace in the Middle East and for the return of the Israeli hostages held by terrorists. I remain hopeful that his prayers will be answered and that the path of compassion and mercy will endure.
At the same time, the legacy of Pope Francis also raises certain concerns. Despite his positive disposition toward the Jewish people, his public statements on political matters showed insufficient concern for the aggression against Israel, and he maintained an ambiguous stance regarding Israel's right to self-defense. Furthermore, his silence—particularly during the final period of his life—in the face of antisemitic sentiment voiced by Islamic representatives, including during their addresses at the Vatican, remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Certain aspects of the relationship between the Vatican and the Jewish world, which have been gradually built since the reform of Catholic dogma, are currently being put to the test."

I offer my sincere condolences to the flock of the Catholic Church in Israel and across the globe, and express my hope for the continuation of a constructive dialogue aimed at the mending of our world."