Pope Francis warns of ‘scourge of antisemitism’ ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day

Pope Francis has issued a strong warning against the "scourge of antisemitism" ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day, urging people to be vigilant against this form of hatred and intolerance.

In a statement released by the Vatican, the Pope emphasized the importance of remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust, which resulted in the deaths of six million Jews and millions of others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime.

"We must always be vigilant against the scourge of antisemitism, which is a threat not only to the Jewish community but to society as a whole," the Pope said. "We must remember the horrors of the Holocaust and work to ensure that such atrocities never happen again."

The Pope's warning comes as the world prepares to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed on January 27. The day is dedicated to remembering the victims of the Holocaust and honoring the survivors.

Pope Francis has been a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and understanding, and has spoken out repeatedly against antisemitism and other forms of hatred. In his statement, he emphasized the importance of educating young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism.

"It is essential that we teach young people about the Holocaust and the importance of respecting and protecting the dignity of every human being," the Pope said. "We must work to create a culture of tolerance, acceptance, and compassion, and to promote understanding and respect between people of different faiths and backgrounds."

The Pope's warning against antisemitism has been welcomed by Jewish leaders and organizations around the world. "We appreciate the Pope's strong statement against antisemitism and his commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding," said _Ronald Lauder_, president of the World Jewish Congress. "We must all work together to combat this form of hatred and to promote a culture of respect and acceptance."

The Vatican has also announced that it will be holding a special ceremony to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, which will include a prayer service and a meeting with Jewish leaders.

BACKGROUND

- The Holocaust was a genocide that resulted in the deaths of six million Jews and millions of others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime.
- Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed on January 27 to remember the victims of the Holocaust and honor the survivors.
- Pope Francis has been a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and understanding, and has spoken out repeatedly against antisemitism and other forms of hatred.
- The Vatican has announced that it will be holding a special ceremony to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, which will include a prayer service and a meeting with Jewish leaders.

Reactions

- "We appreciate the Pope's strong statement against antisemitism and his commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding," said _Ronald Lauder_, president of the World Jewish Congress.
- "The Pope's warning against antisemitism is a timely reminder of the importance of promoting respect and understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds," said _Rabbi David Rosen_, international director of interreligious affairs for the American Jewish Committee.

https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-francis-antisemitism-holocaust-a6590e9fc4d89cf85968ad7b99ff43b6