JERUSALEM — The recent deletion of a condolence message from Israel’s Foreign Ministry following the reported death of Pope Francis has underscored the increasingly strained relations between Israel and the Vatican. the now-removed message,initially posted on X,read: “Rest in peace,Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing.” its disappearance coincided with widespread global mourning, but also highlighted underlying tensions stemming from the Pope’s frequent criticisms of Israel’s actions during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on the deletion, adding to the speculation that the move was deliberate. While the initial reports of the pope’s death have been retracted, the incident has brought to the forefront the delicate balance between diplomatic protocol and political sensitivities.

Delayed Condolences and divided Reactions

Adding to the sense of a diplomatic chill, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, typically prompt in issuing statements on the passing of major international figures, took four days to release a terse, 28-word statement via his official account. foreign Minister Gideon Saar has remained silent on the matter.In contrast, President Isaac Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, offered immediate condolences, praising Francis as “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion.”

The delayed and muted response from key Israeli leaders contrasts sharply with the outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders worldwide, including the United States. This discrepancy has raised questions about the state of Israel-Vatican relations, especially in the context of the Gaza conflict.

A shifting Relationship

For much of Pope francis’ papacy, relations between Israel and the Vatican saw steady improvement, a period highlighted by a visit to the Holy Land in 2014. This visit was seen as a significant step in fostering understanding and cooperation between the two states.

However, the dynamic shifted dramatically after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

pope Francis’ Criticism of Israeli Actions

While expressing sympathy for Israeli victims and hostages, Pope Francis openly questioned the proportionality of Israel’s military response in Gaza and lebanon. He characterized these actions as “immoral” and called for an inquiry into whether Israel’s conduct in Gaza constituted genocide, a charge Israel vehemently denies. Investigations at the U.N.’s top courts are still proceeding.

“Pope Francis condemned what happened on Oct. 7, but he was clear also that what happened on Oct. 7 does not justify what has been happening since Oct. 7,” said Wadie Abunassar, who heads a group that represents Christians in Israel and the palestinian territories. According to Abunassar, “Pope Francis was like a friend who tells the truth, even if that’s not exactly what you want to hear.”

Historical context: A fragile Relationship

The relationship between Israel and the vatican has historically been complex. Lingering tensions stem from the Vatican’s perceived inaction during World War II. Critics argue that Pope Pius XII remained silent during the Holocaust, despite perhaps possessing knowledge of the Nazi extermination plan. Supporters maintain that he employed quiet diplomacy to protect Jewish lives.

Today, Christians represent a small minority in the Holy Land, comprising less than 2% of the population. According to the U.S. State Department, there are approximately 182,000 Christians in Israel, 50,000 in the West Bank, and 1,300 in Gaza.The ongoing war in Gaza and the shift towards a more right-leaning Israeli goverment have further strained relations.

The Pope’s Concern for Hostages

“Pope Francis expressed himself for the first time on Oct. 8, the day after the war began, and he followed the same line right through the end of his life: war is defeat, there’s no victory for war,” said the Rev.David Neuhaus, a local priest who served as a spokesperson during the pope’s 2014 visit.

Neuhaus added, “He expressed grate concern for hostages, but said violence should stop and Israel is using force to something that cannot be achieved by force.” Francis also met with families of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians affected by the war.

Impact on Christians in the Holy Land

In an April 2023 interview, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the leader of Catholics in the holy Land, stated that Netanyahu’s government “has made life worse for Christians” in the birthplace of Christianity. He cited an increase in attacks against christian sites, pilgrims, and religious leaders.

While numerous world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, have confirmed their attendance at the Pope’s funeral, Israel plans to send only its Vatican ambassador, a lower-level diplomat.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein attributed this decision partially to scheduling conflicts and the funeral coinciding with the jewish Sabbath. Marmorstein stated that the decision “was not indicative of any tension with the Vatican,” and that “Israel will be represented in the most official way in the funeral through our ambassador there. There were things we didn’t agree with, but we are taking part in the funeral.”

A Call for Mercy in a Divided World

“Pope Francis was one of the best friends of Israel, but Israeli leadership didn’t understand him properly,” said Abunassar, the

Given the recent developments surrounding the reported death of Pope Francis and Israel’s response, how would you characterize the current state of relations between Israel and the Vatican?