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John XXI was a very great pope and he's the one who…

“John XXI was a very great pope and he's the one who actually corrected the liturgy. He did so because of his friend Jules Isaac, a French Jewish historian who was a friend of John Paul, of John 23rd, and he convinced him and he changed the liturgy, no more Jew, the perfidious Jew and so forth and…” quote by Elie Wiesel
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“John XXI was a very great pope and he's the one who actually corrected the liturgy. He did so because of his friend Jules Isaac, a French Jewish historian who was a friend of John Paul, of John 23rd, and he convinced him and he changed the liturgy, no more Jew, the perfidious Jew and so forth and now, and don't speak any more of the Jews killing Christ. Things have changed.”

Elie Wiesel

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote claims a pope reformed liturgy to remove anti‑Jewish language, attributing the change to influence from a Jewish historian.

In simple terms: A pope allegedly altered Catholic rites to stop blaming Jews for Christ’s death.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how dialogue can reshape harmful traditions.

Themes

religion history interfaith reformation power

Mood

reflective critical inquisitive

Type

historical controversial

When to use this quote

  • church councils
  • academic debates
  • interfaith initiatives
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

theology cultural change historical revisionism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence supports this claim?
  • How do religious reforms affect societal attitudes?
A Different Perspective

Historical accuracy is disputed; the story may be apocryphal.

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