Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, May 12, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has emphasized his commitment to strengthening the Catholic Church’s “dialogue and cooperation” with the world’s Jewish communities in a letter to an American Jewish leader.

“Trusting in the assistance of the Almighty, I pledge to continue and strengthen the Church’s dialogue and cooperation with the Jewish people in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Nostra Aetate,” the first US-born pope wrote in a letter to Rabbi Noam Marans, director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

The AJC posted the letter, which was dated May 8, on the social platform X late on Monday.

We are deeply moved that Pope Leo XIV, so early in his papacy, has reaffirmed his commitment to Catholic-Jewish relations.

In a letter to AJC’s Director of Interreligious Affairs, Rabbi Noam Marans, he pledged to continue to strengthen dialogue with the Jewish people in the… pic.twitter.com/YC1w9gNrYQ

— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) May 12, 2025

The Nostra Aetate was a declaration from the Second Vatican Council and promulgated in 1965 by Pope Paul VI that called for dialogue and respect between Christianity and other religions.

Leo also appeared to invite Marans to his upcoming inauguration: “I am pleased to inform you that the solemn inauguration of my pontificate will be celebrated in Saint Peter’s Square on 18 May 2025.”

In response, AJC wrote in a statement that “we are deeply moved that Pope Leo XIV, so early in his papacy, has reaffirmed his commitment to Catholic-Jewish relations.”

The Jewish group added, “As we approach the 60th anniversary of this landmark declaration [Nostra Aetate], we look forward to working together to deepen understanding and cooperation.”

Leo was elected to become the next bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church last week following the death of Pope Francis in late April, becoming the first American to hold the position.

In his first Sunday blessing, Leo took time to comment on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. He called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages that the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas took during its Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of and massacre across southern Israel.

“I am deeply saddened by what is happening in Gaza,” Leo said. “May a ceasefire immediately come into effect … Let humanitarian aid be given to the exhausted civilian population, and let all hostages be freed.”

Francis had become an increasingly vocal critic of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza in the months before his death.

During his pontificate, Francis strongly condemned antisemitism and promoted interfaith dialogue between Jewish and Catholic communities. However, he also drew the ire of pro-Israel supporters and Jewish leaders, including the chief rabbi of Rome, for his sharp words against the Jewish state.

Israeli officials and Jewish groups offered congratulations last week following the election of Leo.