"I am Joseph, your brother": use of the brother model in the Vatican's conception of the Jewish-Catholic relationship, 1958-2004

Abstract

This thesis seeks to explore the Vatican's use of the "brother" metaphorical model in its understanding of the relationship between Jews and Catholics. After providing a brief historical background, the thesis examines how the "brother" model of Jewish-Catholic relationships has developed since the time of John XXIII. From John XXIll's simple statement of reconciliation, "I am Joseph, your brother," a change in the metaphorical relationship can be seen. Tracing the development of the brother model through John XXIII' s reign up until the present, the thesis will examine how Vatican language in papal and curial documents has changed and adjusted over time, expressing different understandings of the relationship between Catholics and Jews.