Issue with the Christmas message of Pope Pius XII was taken here during the week-end by Rabbi Louis I. Newman, a leading Reform rabbi, in a sermon to his congregation. The Pontiff’s message, calling for a fight on atheism, was also addressed to those “who adore Christ–not excluding those who sincerely but vainly await His coming–to join the common battle.”
Vatican sources were reported as viewing this reference as a “conciliatory gesture” toward Jews at a time when the Vatican and Israel are at adds over the safeguarding of the Holy Places in Jerusalem. Indicating that a “large number” of Jews would take issue with this interpretation, Rabbi Newman declared:
“The supposed reference to the Jewish people in the Pope’s Christmas message is unfortunately worded, and if it were not for an explanation given by Vatican circles and headlined by some of the press it would have passed unnoticed. If the reference to those ‘who sincerely but vainly await’ the coming of a Christ or Messiah is intended to apply to adherents of the Jewish, it is a regrettable approach.
“If, moreover, the item was included as ‘a conciliatory gesture’ relating to the Vatican’s role in the effort to internationalize Jerusalem, it also will find no response either in Israel or among Jews throughout the world. The Israelis on the spot will decide the fate of the New Jerusalem and Jews in all lands will remain faithful to their family religion.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
