Vatican Releases New Document on Jewish-Christian Relations to Mark 60 Years Since Nostra Aetate

The Vatican released a document titled "A Journey of Hope" on September 17, 2026, marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark 1965 declaration that reshaped the Catholic Church's relationship with Judaism and other world religions.

The document acknowledges that recent conflicts in the Middle East have strained communication between Catholic and Jewish communities. Despite those tensions, it affirms that the long-standing pillars of dialogue remain intact and that both communities share a commitment to moving forward.

The text calls for solidarity against antisemitism and urges careful distinctions between fundamentalist violence and peaceful Muslim communities. It also highlights the shared scriptural heritage of Catholics and Jews as a foundation for continued cooperation.

Nostra Aetate, issued during the Second Vatican Council under Pope Paul VI, formally repudiated the charge of collective Jewish guilt for the death of Jesus and opened a new era of interfaith engagement. The 1965 declaration is widely regarded as one of the most significant documents in modern Catholic history.

Church officials said the new document is intended to reaffirm those commitments at a moment when antisemitism is rising in many parts of the world. It does not break new theological ground but serves as a statement of continuity and resolve.

Jewish interfaith organizations responded cautiously, welcoming the Vatican's reaffirmation of dialogue while noting that the current geopolitical climate presents real challenges to the relationship.