April 23, 2025|כ"ה ניסן ה' אלפים תשפ"ה A Jewish Reflection on the Passing of Pope Francis By Rabbi Jonathan Muskat

The passing of Pope Francis marks a significant moment for millions worldwide. As Jews, how should we respond to such an event? Rooted in the teachings of Torah and Jewish tradition, our approach can reflect both respect and empathy, while staying true to our values and principles.

Pope Francis’ Complex Relationship with the Jewish Community

Pope Francis’ tenure included significant outreach to the Jewish community. He maintained strong relationships with Jewish leaders, promoted Holocaust remembrance, and opposed antisemitism. These efforts were meaningful gestures toward fostering understanding and cooperation between Catholics and Jews.

However, he also leaves a complicated relationship with Israel. He fostered close ties with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, a figure with a history of antisemitic rhetoric and support for anti-Israel sentiments. He endorsed the recognition of Palestine as a state and criticized Israel’s self-defense measures against Hamas after October 7th. His tendency to disproportionately blame Israel for civilian casualties overshadowed his sporadic condemnations of Hamas. These positions were deeply troubling to many Jews and underscore significant areas of disagreement.

Nevertheless, these disagreements should not preclude us from expressing empathy for the Catholic community during this time of loss. Our compassion acknowledges the pain felt by millions while remaining clear-eyed about our differences. It is possible, and indeed necessary, to hold both perspectives simultaneously—empathizing with a grieving community while upholding our own values and principles.

A Torah-Based Approach to Empathy and Peace

Jewish tradition teaches us to act with kindness and dignity toward all of humanity. The Talmud (Gittin 61a) states: “One sustains poor gentiles along with poor Jews, and one visits sick gentiles along with sick Jews, and one buries dead gentiles along with dead Jews. All this is done on account of the ways of peace.” Similarly, Maimonides (Hilchot Melachim 10:12) reinforces this principle, quoting verses such as “G-d is good to all, and His mercies extend upon all His works” (Psalms 145:9) and “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17). These texts remind us that fostering goodwill and peace is not merely a practical strategy but a reflection of Divine attributes.

The loss of a leader like Pope Francis, who represented a faith practiced by billions, invites us to reflect on these values. Expressing empathy is not only about maintaining peaceful relations; it is also about embodying the Torah’s call to be compassionate and respectful toward all human beings. Importantly, this empathy does not imply agreement with all of Pope Francis’ positions, particularly on matters such as Israel, but rather reflects our commitment to the values of dignity and humanity.

A Call to Be a Mensch

At its core, the Jewish response to the passing of Pope Francis should reflect the principle of being a mensch—a decent, compassionate human being. While the concept of “eivah” (avoiding animosity) is an important consideration, the real driver for our empathy should be higher than pragmatic concerns. The Torah calls us to mourn the loss of any human life and to respect the dignity of leaders who positively impacted their communities.

By expressing condolences, we acknowledge the humanity shared by all people and the Divine image present in every individual. This act transcends theological differences and demonstrates our commitment to the values of kindness, empathy, and peace. At the same time, our compassion for the Catholic community does not negate or diminish our deep concerns and disagreements over Pope Francis’ policies and positions regarding Israel. Instead, it shows that empathy and moral clarity can coexist.