Chronicle poll results: Pope Francis and the Jewish world
We asked our readers if Pope Francis improved relations with the Jewish world. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Do you think Pope Francis improved relations with the Jewish world?” Of the 216 people who responded, 51% said yes, 31% said no and 18% said they weren’t sure. Comments were submitted by 44 people. A few follow.
Pope Francis cared that Jews exist and actively sought to prosper a positive relationship, which is a step in the right direction. Christians should actively care about Jewish life and relationships and he modeled that in his own way.
The answer was yes, until he seemed not to know why Israel had to go into Gaza.
He certainly intended to and tried, but I’m not sure how successful he was.
As a man of peace, I believe he promoted world unity and thus was a friend to Israel. At the same time he was a friend to the Palestinians as well.
It seems that he played both sides.
He advocated for inclusiveness, empathy and love for all people. His values echoed Jewish values.
On a recent visit to Buenos Aires, I read a letter Francis wrote to a leading rabbi in Argentina with whom he shared a lifelong friendship. It was a heartfelt expression of support for the Jewish community and all they had to offer one another. As pope, he did much to emphasize these sentiments. I do not think his political views on Israel’s current military campaign in Gaza contradict that support.
His comments on Gaza were troubling. I did not like this pope, and disagreed with the majority of his doctrine.
Although I believe that there is much more work to be done, the pope’s messages regarding combatting antisemitism, and education about Jewish stereotypes and antisemitic tropes, must be spread in local parishes. I desperately hope that there is continued progress with the next pope.
Antisemitism has only gotten worse.
We will have to wait and see, but he did no harm.
He was a man of the people but never included the Jews in those he cared about, or accepted the fact that Jews see life very differently than Christians do.
Pope Francis connected with people and issues beyond the Catholic Church to provide peace, love and, above all, hope.
Pope Francis was a beacon of light for everyone who allowed themselves to see his loving heart. He was a person who accepted everyone for who and what they are.
He was good for the Jews. He wasn’t good for Israel, but he was better than most popes on Israel. PJC
comments