Pope Benedict XVI
Photo: Reuters
Netanyahu: Basis for hatred of Jews
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Netanyahu thanks pope for exoneration
PM says he has 'deep esteem' for Benedict XVI, whose new book refutes claim Jews killed Jesus
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday for his exoneration of the Jews for the death of Jesus Christ.
The pope says in his new book, 'Jesus of Nazareth-Part II' – excerpts of which were released Wednesday – that there is no basis in Scripture for the argument that the Jewish people as a whole were responsible for Jesus' death.
Found Innocent
Associated Press
In new book, Benedict XVI explains biblically and theologically why there is no basis in Scripture for accusations against Jewish people as a whole
"I commend you for rejecting in your new book the false claim that was used as a basis for the hatred of Jews for hundreds of years," Netanyahu wrote to the pontiff.
The prime minister added that he hopes "the clarity and bravery" shown by Benedict will strengthen relations between Jews and Christians worldwide and promote peace in the next generations.
"I look forward to seeing you again soon and expressing my deep esteem for you personally," Netanyahu wrote.
While the Catholic Church has for five decades taught that Jews weren't collectively responsible, Jewish scholars said Wednesday the argument laid out by the German-born pontiff, who has had his share of mishaps with Jews, was a landmark statement from a pope that would help fight anti-Semitism today.
In the book, Benedict re-enacts Jesus' final hours, including his death sentence for blasphemy, then analyzes each Gospel account to explain why Jews as a whole cannot be blamed for it. Rather, Benedict concludes, it was the "Temple aristocracy" and a few supporters of the figure Barabbas who were responsible.
"How could the whole people have been present at this moment to clamor for Jesus' death?" Benedict asks.
Benedict said Jesus' death wasn't about punishment, but rather salvation. Jesus' blood, he said, "does not cry out for vengeance and punishment, it brings reconciliation. It is not poured out against anyone, it is poured out for many, for all."
Benedict, who was forced to join the Hitler Youth as a child in Nazi Germany, has made improving relations with Jews a priority of his pontificate. He has visited the Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland and Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
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