This past month, the world watched as the Catholic Church elected a new pope, Pope Leo XIV. It was a momentous occasion not only for Catholics, but for all people who recognize the profound global influence of the papacy. As a Jew and as a rabbi, I pay close attention to these transitions—not because Catholic doctrine directly shapes Jewish life, but because the tone of Catholic leadership can deeply influence interfaith relationships, Jewish-Christian dialogue, and global attitudes toward the Jewish people.
So, who is Pope Leo XIV? And what might his leadership signal for the future?
Like all new leaders, Pope Leo XIV carries both the weight of continuity and the possibility of change. From what I’ve read and heard, he is a complex figure. On one hand, he holds firm to traditional stances, on issues like priestly celibacy and opposition to abortion, that align him with the Church’s conservative wing. But on the other hand, his tone and priorities suggest something more expansive. He has spoken urgently about poverty, climate change, and systemic injustice. He’s used the language of compassion rather than condemnation when addressing marginalized communities.
One word stood out to me in his very first public address: dialogue. He didn’t just mention it once; he repeated it—signaling that dialogue is not incidental but central to his vision. In Catholic theology, dialogue is more than a conversation—it is a spiritual practice of encounter, of listening, of mutual respect. Since Vatican II and the groundbreaking declaration Nostra Aetate, which transformed the Church’s relationship with Jews and Judaism, popes have increasingly turned to dialogue as a sacred tool of reconciliation. Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on this value gives me hope that he intends to continue—and perhaps even deepen—that trajectory.
As a rabbi, I find myself watching for a few key things. Will Pope Leo XIV continue the work of his predecessors in nurturing Catholic-Jewish understanding? Will he uphold the theological steps taken in the last six decades? Will he speak out clearly and forcefully against antisemitism—not just in Europe, but globally?
So far, the early signs are encouraging. He has acknowledged the Church’s historical failures and emphasized the moral urgency of interfaith solidarity. His previous meetings with Jewish leaders have been warm and sincere, and his public statements suggest a real understanding of Jewish suffering and resilience.
Still, as with all things, time will tell. What I do know is that this moment offers us a chance to renew our own commitments—to learn about other faiths, to build bridges where possible, and to remain steadfast in our values even as we open ourselves to connection. As Jews, we know all too well the cost of silence and separation. And we also know the transformative potential of honest, courageous dialogue.
May Pope Leo XIV’s papacy be one that deepens understanding, advances peace, and strengthens the bonds between our communities. And may we, as a Jewish community, meet this moment with curiosity, hope, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
Rabbi Jodie
