Shimon Peres meets with Pope Francis
Shimon Peres meets with Pope FrancisFlash 90

Pope Francis has condemned anti-Semitism, saying that it has no place in the church.

"Because of our common roots, a true Christian cannot be anti-Semitic," Francis said on Monday at a meeting with a delegation of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC).

According to the World Jewish Congress, the Catholic pontiff, who was elected in March as successor to Pope Benedict XVI, reiterated that the 1965 declaration 'NostraAetate' remained the main point of reference for Catholic relations with the Jewish people.

The Church "firmly condemns hatred, persecution and all manifestations of anti-Semitism," he said.  

He also highlighted the role played by his predecessors in fostering better relations with the Jews.