Pope Francis

Abbas welcomes new pope:

'Support the just Palestinian cause'

PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas welcomes Pope Leo XIV, urging him to uphold the legacy of Pope Francis, whom he praises for his support of Palestinian rights.

The Pope's gift to the children of Gaza

The Vatican has announced that the white Mitsubishi vehicle that served Pope Francis will become a mobile clinic for the children of Gaza. The Pope blessed the initiative before his death.

Giulio Meotti:

The Pope who did not love the West (or the Jews)

Pope Francis expressed distrust of the West and support for Israel’s declared enemies. Opinion.

Ten facts about Pope Francis’s troubled relations with Jews.

Pope Francis did call out Hamas as “evil” and called for them to return Israeli hostages. Yet these moments of moral clarity were overshadowed by Pope Francis’ frequently harsh and unjustified attacks on Israel. Opinion.

Pope Francis dead following illness

Pope Francis, who called to end war in Gaza and condemned Israel for defending its citizens, dies at 88.

Pope calls antisemitism "worrying," again demands ceasefire

Pope Francis uses Easter address to condemn "dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation" in Gaza, says "growing climate of antisemitism around the world is worrisome."

A question for Pope Francis:

What is the true intent of "Nostra Aetate"?

Pope Francis, did you ignore the intent of “Nostra Aetate” to garner favor with extremist Palestinianism?

Pope Francis remains alert after acute respiratory failure

Vatican says Pope Francis experienced two episodes of "acute respiratory failure", the third significant health decline since he was admitted to the hospital 18 days ago.

After respiratory episode

Pope Francis placed on breathing machine

Pope Francis requires mechanical ventilation after experiencing sudden respiratory distress. Vatican says the Pope’s condition remains serious and he is not yet out of danger.

Pope Francis in critical condition, the Vatican says

88-year-old Pope Francis was initially hospitalized due to bronchitis, but his condition worsened, developing into pneumonia in both lungs.

Chief Rabbinate to Pope:

'Your actions are not just disappointing but dangerous'

Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council of Israel, has written an open letter to demand that Pope Francis change his statements regarding the war in Gaza.

Pope Francis condemns Israel again for "shameful" attacks

Pope Francis continues criticism of Israel's war against Hamas in remarks to diplomats from around the world, says "bombing civilians" and "children freezing to death" cannot be accepted.

Why the Pope pretends that Israel commits genocide

He reacts to Israel as he would to a slap in the face. Why is that? Opinion.

US Jewish leaders to Pope:

'Refrain from making incendiary comments against Israel'

Conference of Presidents writes letter to Pope Francis following his criticism of Israel’s counterterrorism operations in Gaza: We appreciate and share your concern for the suffering of innocent civilians, but the statements you have made only serve to distort Israel’s legitimate military campaign and fuel antisemitism.

Pope Francis:

'May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released'

Pope Francis again relates to the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, uses traditional Christmas message to call for peace in the Middle East.

Ignoring Islamist assaults on Christians, the Pope targets Israel

Perhaps he believes that pointing a finger at the Jews will divert Muslim rage from the Vatican. Opinion.

Pope Francis doubles down on criticism of Israel’s Gaza strikes

Pope Francis reiterates his condemnation of Israel’s strikes on the Gaza Strip, a day after the Foreign Ministry condemned his previous comments.

Foreign Ministry to Pope Francis:

'Cruelty is holding 100 hostages for 442 days'

Pope Francis claims Israel's war against the Hamas terror group is 'cruelty, not war'; Israeli Foreign Ministry slams back: 'Israel makes extraordinary efforts to prevent harm to innocents, enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people.'

Diaspora Minister to Pope:

'Clarify your stand on genocide blood libel'

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli wrote to the Pope to demand an explanation of the Pope's support for the Palestinian narrative.

Pope Francis to meet PA chairman Abbas

Vatican confirms that Pope Francis, who has continued to be critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza, will meet PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

European Rabbis slam Pope Francis:

Statements by major leaders have 'immense' consequences

Conference of European Rabbis criticizes Pope Francis' call to investigate IDF for 'genocide,' note Israel's intention is self-defense against a group which called for genocide of Jews.

Pope Francis claims:

'My remarks on genocide were taken out of context'

In meeting with interfaith delegation at the Vatican, Pope Francis comments on remarks attributed to him that Israel should be investigated for genocide: I was shown materials from the war, and I said that if this is true, then it needs to be investigated.

The pope’s embrace of evil discourse

With his attack on Israel while the nation is fighting for its life, the pontiff has taken the Vatican backwards into a very dark past. For the head of the Catholic Church to show himself to be so morally twisted is shocking. Opinion.

EU Rabbis deeply disturbed by Pope Francis' genocide comment

The Conference of European Rabbis says Pope Francis 'lends credibility to the insidious narrative propagated by Iran and its proxies' by calling for Israel to be investigated for a nonexistent 'genocide.'

Pope Francis' genocide claims could lead to bloodshed, CAM says

Combat Antisemitism Movement calls Pope Francis’ comments on genocide 'a possible eighth front against Israel.'

Pope Francis:

'Investigate if Israel’s actions in Gaza are genocide'

Excerpts from book to be released Tuesday reveal that Pope Francis is calling for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide.

Pope on Nasrallah's elimination: 'immoral actions'

Asked about Israel's strike to eliminate the Hezbollah leader, Pope Francis said that 'even in war, there is morality to be safe-guarded.'

Pope Francis expresses solidarity with families of 6 hostages

Pope Francis recalls his meeting with mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin: Her humanity struck me. I accompany her at this time.

Pope against Hamas, Israel

'I do not think they are taking steps to make peace'

Pope Francis decries deaths of children in Israeli strikes in Gaza: When you see bodies of killed children under the presumption that some guerrillas are there, this is ugly.

Sara Netanyahu to Pope:

'Please demand the unconditional release of all hostages'

Prime Minister's wife calls on the leader of the Christian world to intervene to bring about the release of the hostages being held in Gaza.

Chief Rabbi Lau calls on Pope to retract Israel-Hamas comparison

Israel's Chief Rabbi David Lau addresses letter to Pope Francis after Pope accuses Israel of engaging in terrorism just like Hamas.

The revival of an ancient calumny

In response to the genocidal Hamas agenda, churches have turned on its Jewish victims. Opinion.

SA Chief Rabbi to Pope Francis: Repent for sins against Israel

Pope Francis chastised Israel, saying it's “forbidden to respond to terror with terror." Rabbi Goldstein responded with a harsh message.

Jewish groups to Pope Francis:

Clarify Israel ‘terrorism’ comments

'Hamas’ butchering and kidnapping of civilians is terrorism. Israel’s self-defense is not,' Jewish group notes. 'Vatican, please clarify.'

SWC: Hamas could end all the suffering by releasing all hostages

'The suffering of the families of Israeli hostages is on the hands of Hamas terrorists,' Simon Wiesenthal Center says.

Pope meets European Rabbis, denounces antisemitism in Europe

Pope Francis told a delegation of European rabbis that Christians 'need Judaism to understand ourselves better.'

Vatican:

Family that saved Jews is holy

The Catholic Church held a dedication ceremony for the Ulma family, who saved Jews during World War II.

Pope Francis hospitalized due to respiratory infection

Vatican says 86-year-old pontiff will need to spend "a few days" in hospital for treatment.

Vatican releases complete cache of Holocaust-era Jewish files

Vatican publishes digitization of remaining archives of requests by Jews for Pope Pius's help during Holocaust.

Pope Francis receives historic Jewish delegation

Pope Francis receives historic World Jewish Congress delegation to strengthen Jewish-Catholic ties, as WJC Pres. announces new initiative.

Top European rabbi meets with Pope Francis in Rome

Former Chief Rabbi of Moscow and president of the Conference of European Rabbis holds private meeting with Pope Francis.

US tourist denied audience with pope damages 2 Roman sculptures

Man told he won't be able to see Pope goes on rampage at Vatican Museums, damaging two 2,000-year old sculptures before being restrained.

Vatican to release WWII-era ‘Jewish files’ online

Pope Francis has ordered 170 volumes of Jewish requests for help from the Catholic Church during World War II to be published online.

Pope hosts Yad Vashem director at Vatican

In a first, the Pope hosts director of Israel's Holocaust museum - but doesn't discuss Catholic Church’s Holocaust controversies.

B’nai B’rith meets Pope France for interfaith dialogue

B’nai B’rtih International delegation meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican, urges world to unite against antisemitism.

Report:

Pope Francis cancels visit to Israel

Political source says wave of terrorism in Israel had an effect on Vatican's decision to cancel the visit at this time.

Pope Francis: 'NATO 'barked at Putin's door' prior to invasion

Mainstream media outlets are accusing the Pope of stoking a 'conspiracy theory' as he seems to defend Russia's Putin.

Pope Francis: Putin fomenting the winds of war

Pope Francis slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he thought wars in middle Europe were a thing of the past.

Board of Deputies president meets Pope Francis at the Vatican

Meeting was held to demonstrate strong inter-communal relationship between Jewish and Catholic communities.

Pope meets Abbas, calls for 'two-state solution'

PA chairman holds private audience with Pope Francis, meets top Vatican officials who stress importance of resuming peace talks.

Leading rabbi: 'Pope implied Jewish practice is obsolete'

Israel’s Chief Rabbinate calls on Pope Francis to clarify comments on Torah and Jewish law.

Pope Francis restricts Latin Mass that calls for converting Jews

Pope Francis restricts use of liturgy which includes calls for the conversion of the Jews and formerly referred to Jewish 'blindness'.

Watch: Pope Francis kisses number on hand of Auschwitz survivor

Pope Francis filmed kissing the number tattooed to the forearm of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp inmate.

Pope Francis mourns Meron victims

Pope Francis expresses his “closeness” to the people of Israel in the wake of the deadly Lag b’Omer catastrophe at Mount Meron.

Watch: Pope Francis meets Iraq's Shia leader

Pope Francis met with Shia leader Ali al-Sistani, responsible, in part, for driving away ISIS.

Watch: Pope visits damaged Iraqi churches

Pope Francis currently visiting Christian centers damaged during ISIS onslaught, trying to bring hope, renewal to local communities.

Moved by her story, Pope pays house call to Holocaust survivor

Pope Francis becomes so moved by testimony of local Holocaust survivor, he decided to pay her a visit over the weekend.

President Rivlin speaks to Pope

Israeli President speaks to the Pope as Jews celebrate Hanukkah and Christians prepare for Christmas in the shadow of COVID-19.

Pope Francis’ silence about a forced conversion to Islam

The street from Christianity to Islam is one way. Woe to he who tries to go the other way. Even the pope will not come to his aid. Opinion.

Rivlin speaks to Pope in light of coronavirus pandemic

President Rivlin to Pope Francis: We are fighting a stubborn and cruel enemy together, and that is how we will overcome it.