In September 1348, a papal bull condemned the unjust accusations against Jews regarding the plague, attributing the blame to deceitful influences from the Devil. The Pope emphasized that the pestilence was a divine trial affecting all humanity, and that Jews were equally suffering from its ravages. He discredited the baseless allegations of well-poisoning and the resultant violence against Jewish communities, labeling them as a "horrible thing."

He urged the clergy to extend protection to Jews, reflecting his commitment to their safety in Avignon. However, despite this papal intervention, local biases and animosities often overshadowed his words, leaving the Jewish populations vulnerable to persecution amidst the widespread fear and chaos caused by the plague.