Pope Francis speaks out


In a long interview with a Barcelona newspaper, La Vanguardia, published on June 13, 2014, Pope Francis spoke out on many topics and also on relations with the Jewish people.

Here are some of the statements made by the Pope:

- “I believe that interreligious dialogue must investigate the Jewish roots of Christianity and the Christian flowering of Judaism… I understand it is a challenge… but it is possible to live as brothers.”

- “In every Christian is a Jew… Every day, I pray with the Psalms of David. My prayer is Jewish, then I have the Eucharist, which is Christian.”

- Francis said he was concerned about “everything which has been thrown at poor Pius XII,” while stressing that he sheltered Jews in the convents of Rome and other Italian cities, as well as the popes’ summer residence in Castel Gadolfo. “I do not mean to say that Pius XII did not make mistakes — I make many mistakes myself — but his role must be read in the context of the time,” Pope Francis said.

- With regard to the “invocation for peace” with President Peres and President Abbas, the Pope said: "Here in the Vatican, 99 percent said we shouldn't do it, and then later the 1 percent started growing."

- “It is true that anything can happen, but let’s face it, at my age I have nothing to lose,” the 77-year-old pontiff said.

- He was also asked how he would like to be remembered as a pope. “I have not thought about that,” Francis said. “But I like it when you remember someone and say ‘He was a good guy, he did what he could, and he was not that bad.’ I would be happy with that.”

Read full interview in Spanish here

 

 

Support Us Contact Us Vatican News in Hebrew Mass in Hebrew Child Safeguarding Policy


© 2020 Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel