The Council Declaration "Nostra Aetate" was promulgated precisely 40 years ago, on 28 October 1965. That date can be considered to mark the beginning in history of a new vision in the relationship between Catholic Church and Israel, inspired by Pope John XXIII who, not too long after his election (1958) said to the Jews upon meeting them: "I am Joseph your brother". In 1959 John XXIII abolished from the liturgy the wording which spoke of "treacherous Jews". Going back to the Council, the effects produced by the publishing of "Nostra Aetate" were felt not only in Catholic circles but also in the Christian camp. Indeed in 1967 came the statements by the Belgian Protestant Council and by the Ecumenical Council of the Churches. In the meantime in Rome, it was soon clear that not everything had been said, and so, on 1 December 1974 came another publication "Guidelines and Suggestions for the application of the Council Declaration Nostra Aetate". John Paul II began his pontificate in those years. Among his earliest statements to the Jewish people, one that stands out is the speech to the representatives of the Jewish community of Federal Germany (Mainz, 17 November 1980). It was on that occasion that John Paul II pronounced that phrase that has been quoted in many meetings today: "The Jewish people of the Ancient Covenant which has never been revoked". (continues)
