What's happened
Israel's muted response to Pope Francis' death has drawn criticism from Catholic leaders and diplomats. The Israeli government opted not to send senior officials to the funeral, reflecting tensions stemming from the Pope's criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. This contrasts sharply with Israel's previous diplomatic behavior during similar events.
What's behind the headline?
Diplomatic Tensions
- Criticism of Israel: Pope Francis frequently condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, calling them 'immoral' and suggesting they could constitute genocide. This criticism has strained relations between the Vatican and Israel.
- Muted Response: Israel's decision to send only its ambassador to the Pope's funeral, rather than senior officials, marks a significant departure from past practices, such as the attendance of high-ranking officials at Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005.
- Deleted Condolences: The Israeli Foreign Ministry's initial condolence post was deleted hours later, reportedly due to internal directives, which has led to confusion and disappointment among diplomats and Catholic leaders.
- Impact on Relations: The Pope's death and Israel's response may further complicate already fragile relations, especially as many in Israel's Christian community feel neglected by their government during this period of mourning.
Future Implications
- Public Perception: The Israeli government's actions could lead to a deterioration of its image among Christian communities worldwide, particularly in Catholic-majority countries.
- Ongoing Conflict: As the Gaza conflict continues, the diplomatic fallout from this incident may influence future interactions between Israel and the Vatican, potentially affecting humanitarian efforts and peace initiatives.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, Israel's response to Pope Francis' death has been criticized for its lack of senior representation, contrasting sharply with past funerals of prominent figures. The New York Times highlighted the tensions between Israeli officials and the Pope, noting that Netanyahu's delayed statement was unusual given his typical promptness in such matters. The Independent reported on the deleted condolence post from the Foreign Ministry, emphasizing the internal discord it caused among diplomats. The Times of Israel pointed out that the muted reaction reflects a broader deterioration in relations, particularly following the Pope's criticisms of Israel's military actions in Gaza. This sentiment was echoed across multiple sources, indicating a consensus on the implications of Israel's response for its international standing.
How we got here
Pope Francis, who died on April 22, 2025, had a complex relationship with Israel, often criticizing its military actions in Gaza. His death prompted global mourning, yet Israel's response was notably subdued, raising questions about diplomatic relations between the two.
Go deeper
- What were Pope Francis' main criticisms of Israel?
- How has Israel's response affected its relations with the Catholic community?
- What are the implications of this incident for future diplomacy?
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