Pope Francis highlights rising antisemitism on Holocaust Remembrance Day

On January 26, 2025, Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt message during his Angelus prayer in Vatican City, recognizing the significance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and its connection to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. He emphasized the need for society to remember the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, which resulted in the extermination of millions of Jewish people and those of other faiths by the Nazi regime. The Pope drew attention to the ongoing issue of antisemitism, calling it a 'scourge' that must be confronted to ensure that such horrors are never repeated. He urged global unity in eradicating discrimination and religious persecution, stating that building a compassionate and just world requires collective effort and education of future generations. Pope Francis also acknowledged the addition of other tragic global issues during his address, specifically mentioning the dire humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war in Sudan and recent violence in Colombia, underlining the importance of global solidarity. His appeal for reflection and action on these subjects coincided with discussions in various countries about the rising antisemitism and the need for a shift in the language used to address it. Notably, the National Holocaust Museum has taken a progressive approach, replacing the term ‘antisemitism’ with ‘anti-Jewish racism’ to more accurately reflect the prejudice faced by Jewish people. In the UK, King Charles has also addressed concerns about the resurgence of antisemitism and highlighted the importance of remembrance. During his visit to Auschwitz on the same commemorative day, he became the first serving British monarch to visit the site of one of the darkest chapters in history, emphasizing the necessity of confronting hate in all its forms. Both figures have brought international attention to a growing problem that threatens the principles of tolerance and understanding in society. As Holocaust Memorial Day is marked globally, the echoes of past suffering resonate with ongoing struggles against discrimination and hatred. Many survivors from the Holocaust still share their harrowing stories, which help to ensure that humanity remembers the consequences of hatred. Their testimonies serve as reminders that ignorance and denial can lead to destructive ideological paths. Actions and messages from influential leaders will play a vital role in challenging contemporary antisemitism and promoting a culture of remembrance and respect for all oppressed communities.