Pope welcomes European rabbis

View video clip here

The rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and the relationship between the Catholic Church and Judaism: This was the focus of the Pope's meeting with a delegation from the Conference of European Rabbis, which represents more than seven hundred rabbis in the continent. The rabbinic delegation was headed by Moscow Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, who is also the President of the Conference of European Rabbis.

At the meeting, Pope Francis said: “Anti-Semitic tendencies in Europe are worrisome, as are acts of hate and violence. Christians cannot stand still before this, but instead must reject every form of anti-Semitism.”

In light of rising secularism and aggressive atheism in Europe, the Pope called on the Conference to renew the spiritual and religious dimensions of the continent.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt said Jews in Europe often feel targeted by radicalized Muslim immigrants and some European politicians.

The Pope insisted that religious persecution, direct and indirect, must stop: "We must also condemn all the acts of hate and violence that are carried out against Christians and people of others faiths.”