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Pope Leo’s address to a delegation of
The United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York
Consistory Hall – Monday, 15 June 2026
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Distinguished Representatives of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York,
Dear friends,
Peace be with you!
It is a joy to welcome you all to the Vatican this morning.
As an instrument of global Jewish philanthropy, your organization provides essential humanitarian aid and social services to vulnerable populations, including those living in poverty, refugees, the elderly, and people with disabilities, in New York, Israel, and more than seventy other countries.
These efforts reflect a clear recognition of human dignity and fraternity, which resonates with the Church’s commitment to integral human development and its call to love our neighbor.
In light of our common history, this shared commitment carries special meaning.
Sixty-six years ago, a delegation from your organization was received by Pope John XXIII.
He affirmed our common humanity and our shared spiritual ancestry in Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph with the simple yet profound words, “I am Joseph, your brother” (Genesis 45:4).
Later, a treatise describing a new relationship between the Catholic Church and Judaism was prepared. This treatise formed the basis of what would become the “heart and generative core” of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions.
The Church celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of that landmark document last year. It opened up a new horizon of encounter, respect, and spiritual hospitality.
Among other things, it affirmed the truth that we belong to one human family.
In this way, it planted a seed of hope that “has grown into a mighty tree… offering shelter and bearing the rich fruits of understanding, friendship, cooperation and peace”.
Recognizing the inherent dignity of all people, Nostra Aetate firmly condemned antisemitism and declared that the Church rejects all forms of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, life circumstances, or religion.
In a world still wounded by division and conflict, the document called us to move beyond past misunderstandings toward collaboration for the common good.
This same spirit of solidarity is expressed through our shared concern for those in need.
In my Apostolic Exhortation ‘Dilexi Te’, I wrote that “love is above all a way of looking at life and a way of living it”.
Serving the poor, marginalized and powerless is a means of encountering the sacred;.
Through them the divine voice continues to speak to us.
As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, when we share our bread with the hungry and care for those in need, the Lord’s “light shall break forth like the dawn” (Isaiah 58:7–8).
This light encourages us to view service to the vulnerable as a path that opens hearts and renews society.
Dear friends,
I commend you for your dedication to assisting the poor and needy, confronting hatred and intolerance, and working to build a better world for all.
May your mission strengthen dialogue, deepen mutual understanding, and promote the peace that our world so desperately needs.
Please know that you, your loved ones, and those you serve are in my prayers. Thank you.
