Notre Dame’s forum series on Israel and Palestine continued with a lecture Wednesday examining Catholic perspectives on the conflict. Hosted by the University’s theology department and the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, the event brought together scholars to explore Catholic teachings on interfaith dialogue, human rights and international law. The discussion underscored the complexities of Catholic engagement with the region, balancing historical responsibilities, moral imperatives and the realities of political conflict.
Matthew Tapie, director of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies at St. Leo University, a Catholic university in Florida, opened by addressing the long and fraught history between Christians and Jews. He described it as “a tortured one,” shaped by centuries of discrimination and theological disputes.
He emphasized the importance of facing this history honestly, citing Pope John Paul II’s call for “unconditional trust in the power of truth.” The church, Tapie explained, has at times been indifferent or even complicit in hostility toward Jewish communities.
He referenced the Vatican’s response — or lack thereof — during the Holocaust, underscoring how historical failures continue to shape Catholic-Jewish relations today. He acknowledged the emotional weight of these historical injustices, adding “there is reason to be very sad and discouraged.”
A central theme in Tapie’s remarks was the church’s recognition of Jewish attachment to the land of Israel. He noted that for many Jews, Israel represents not only a homeland but also a safeguard against persecution.
“The next chapter of Jewish life is there,” he said, explaining that Catholic-Jewish dialogue must take into account Jewish perspectives on Zionism and the state of Israel. At the same time, he cautioned that this dialogue must be balanced with recognition of Palestinian experiences and suffering.
“Palestinian peoples remain homeless and refugees,” he noted, referencing the Vatican’s recognition of a Palestinian state in 2015. A Palestinian priest he encountered on a visit to the West Bank reminded Tapie that “history cries out for a broad, informed engagement.”
Jordan Duffner, an author and scholar on Muslim-Christian relations, built upon this theme, urging Catholics to resist framing Israel-Palestine as a purely religious conflict. “Muslims, Jews, Christians and others are all on the same side,” she said, highlighting interfaith efforts to promote peace and human rights.
Catholic social teaching, she explained, calls for solidarity with the vulnerable. “Each and every person of the land, Palestinian and Israeli, is deserving of rights …. a right to life, a right to safety and a right to a life of true flourishing,” Duffner said. She acknowledged the current suffering and despair, adding “it’s easy to feel hopeless.”
She also addressed misconceptions about Catholic engagement with the conflict.
“We Catholics have a responsibility to understand what is going on,” she said. She explained that the church’s teachings on justice and peace require Catholics to advocate for policies that protect all communities in the region.
The Vatican, she noted, bases its diplomatic stance on international law rather than theological interpretations of territorial claims.
“For Catholics, the basis of international law is natural law,” Duffner explained. She also referenced contemporary Catholic figures and modern authorities who have spoken on these issues, demonstrating the evolving nature of Catholic thought on the conflict.
She further stressed the moral imperative. “See, judge, and act, to truly look at the world and all its problems, to assess them in light of our moral convictions as Christians and as Catholics, and then to act and do something about it,” she said.
Daniel Schwake, executive director of Notre Dame’s Global Gateway in Jerusalem, shared insights from his experience living and working in the region. He spoke about the unique role of Catholic institutions in fostering dialogue.
However, he cautioned against simplistic narratives, stating that Catholics must acknowledge their own historical baggage.
“We as Christians come with our own baggage,” he said. “We have contributed to the harm and hatred that is present today.”
Schwake highlighted the need for humility and deep listening. “Sometimes we talk about it as if it were a football game,” he said, critiquing detached and overly simplistic discussions of the conflict.
He urged Catholics to “compassionately listen,” moving beyond rhetoric to approach the situation with an openness to learning from all sides, including those whose perspectives may challenge their preconceptions.
He also spoke about contemporary realities, including legal policies and the humanitarian concerns voiced by Vatican representatives.
The following Q&A session offered a platform for attendees to engage with the speakers.
One student asked about the ethical responsibilities of Catholics in the wake of increasing violence. “Doing what we can in our own personal capacity to push for change is an essential part of Catholic social teaching,” Duffner responded.
Other questions addressed the role of international law in peacebuilding, the Vatican’s stance on military intervention and the tensions between theological positions and political realities. Tapie, in response to a question about historical Catholic-Jewish relations, noted the importance of engaging with theological authorities from both past and present.
“Even God can’t change the past,” Gabriel Reynolds, one of the event’s organizers, remarked, underscoring the challenge of reconciling historical injustices with present realities.
Duffner also warned about the growing cycle of violence.
“The spiral of violence has taken the life of many,” she said, noting how ongoing suffering continues to escalate tensions rather than resolve them. She reinforced the collective responsibility of Catholics, reminding attendees that “we are all interdependent, we are our brothers and sisters’ keeper.”
As the event closed, the speakers reminded the audience that Catholic engagement with Israel-Palestine must be thoughtful, informed and committed to the dignity of all people. The conversation is not easy, and consensus may be elusive, but, as Schwake reminded the audience, “the pursuit of truth is the goal.”
