VATICAN CITY – A delegation of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), headed by Mr.
David Koschitzky, Chair of WJC North America, representing WJC President Ronald
S. Lauder, and including Mrs. Noemi Di Segni, President of the Union of Italian
Jewish Communities (UCEI) & Member of the WJC Executive Committee, held a
meeting earlier this week with Mgr. Mirosław
Stanisław Wachowski, Undersecretary for Relations with States of the Holy See,
on behalf of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.
The WJC leadership
requested the meeting to share the concerns of Jewish communities about the
impact of the media reports on Pope Francis’ forthcoming book Hope Never
Disappoints, in which he affirms: “According to some experts what is
happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully
investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition
formulated by jurists and international bodies.”
The WJC delegation also reiterated the expectation of even-handedness when
referring to conflicts. The delegation was heartened to hear reassurances from
Mgr. Wachowski that in the media reports the pope’s words were taken out of
context and misinterpreted. The delegation also welcomed the positive spirit of
continued dialogue between the Holy See and the World Jewish Congress, dating
back to the Second Vatican Council in 1965, in addressing matters of concern,
and appreciates the ongoing commitment of Pope Francis and the Holy See to
condemn all manifestations of antisemitism.
About the World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations.