Pope Benedict XVI and Jews

Pope John Paul II during his tenure brought about a transformation in the relationships of Jews and Christians and the mantle now falls on the new Pope to carry it forward. Pope Benedict XVI was a member of the Hitler Youth and this has sowed the seeds of suspicion in the Jewish community although he did mention in his book the ‘Salt of the Earth’ that he had to join the group as it was compulsory at that time. But, the Jews respect his theological background and believe that he will carry forward the work done by Pope John Paul II. Rabbi David Rosen, the international director of inter-religious affairs for the American Jewish Committee, said ‘he has a deep commitment to this issue. And his own national background makes him sensitive to the dangers of anti-Semitism and the importance of Jewish-Catholic reconciliation.’
In his various roles before becoming the Pope he had demonstrated his respect for Judaism and the Jewish people and has also recognized the Jewish heritage of the New Testament and Christianity. He was instrumental in creating an environment for full diplomatic relationships with Israel and earnestly worked behind the scenes. This was acknowledged by Rabbi Israel Singer, chairman of the World Jewish Congress, during his election as the Pope. He also worked sincerely towards burying the memories of Holocaust and was directly involved in key issues regarding the subject. He was the main architect behind the ‘Memory and Reconciliation’, the 1999 document stating the Church's historical errors in its treatment of Jews. ‘The Jewish People and the Holy Scriptures’, a 2002 document by the Pontifical Biblical Commission was authorized by him. It contained several expressions which announced the climate of change in the thinking of the Church hierarchy.
In the meetings with the Jewish leaders and in several of his writings he has expressed his sensitivity on the issues pertaining to Jews and Catholics and quite often found favor with Jewish groups. This can be ascertained from the words of Abraham H. Foxman, Anti-Defamation League National Director, when he said ‘We remember with great appreciation his Christmas reflections on December 29, 2000, when he memorably expressed remorse for the anti-Jewish attitudes that persisted through history, leading to ‘deplorable acts of violence’ and the Holocaust.’ Pope Benedict XVI statements during the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s ‘Nostra Aetate’ document sent out positive signals towards Jews and there is a genuine hope among the two communities that he will carry forward the good work done by his predecessor.