Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended condolences on Thursday following the death of Pope Francis, more than three days after the ethereal leader of the Roman Catholic Church passed away. This significant delay raises eyebrows and seems to underline existing strains in the diplomatic relations between Israeli authorities and the Vatican, particularly related to the Pope's outspoken criticism of Israel's recent military actions in Gaza.
The official statement from Netanyahu’s office expressed "deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis," alongside a prayer for his peaceful rest. However, it’s notable that neither the Hebrew-language account of the Prime Minister's office nor Netanyahu's personal page hosted this message, despite his usual practice of promptly addressing the deaths of international leaders.
During his papacy, Pope Francis endeavored to engage with Gaza’s beleaguered Christian population, advocating for humanitarian aid and calling for a ceasefire amidst escalating violence. His comments during Easter Sunday Mass in 2024, where he lamented the plight of victims globally, particularly in Israel and Palestine, showcased his commitment to peace dialogues, which now seem caught in the complexities of international relations.
As the world mourns the loss of a Pope known for his calls for peace and compassion, the response from Israeli leadership is symptomatic of a relationship that has often been fraught, now intricately woven into the fabric of ongoing regional tensions.
The official statement from Netanyahu’s office expressed "deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis," alongside a prayer for his peaceful rest. However, it’s notable that neither the Hebrew-language account of the Prime Minister's office nor Netanyahu's personal page hosted this message, despite his usual practice of promptly addressing the deaths of international leaders.
During his papacy, Pope Francis endeavored to engage with Gaza’s beleaguered Christian population, advocating for humanitarian aid and calling for a ceasefire amidst escalating violence. His comments during Easter Sunday Mass in 2024, where he lamented the plight of victims globally, particularly in Israel and Palestine, showcased his commitment to peace dialogues, which now seem caught in the complexities of international relations.
As the world mourns the loss of a Pope known for his calls for peace and compassion, the response from Israeli leadership is symptomatic of a relationship that has often been fraught, now intricately woven into the fabric of ongoing regional tensions.
