What's happened
Following the death of Pope Francis, Israel's government faced backlash for deleting a condolence post and limiting its representation at the funeral to its ambassador. This reflects deteriorating relations with the Vatican, exacerbated by the ongoing Gaza conflict. Opposition figures criticized the government's muted response, highlighting the significance of the Pope's role in the region.
What's behind the headline?
Diplomatic Fallout
- The deletion of the condolence post by Israel's Foreign Ministry signals a significant diplomatic rift with the Vatican, reflecting deeper tensions stemming from the Gaza conflict.
- Israeli diplomats expressed frustration, stating that the government's actions have damaged international relations and public perception.
- The muted official response contrasts sharply with the attendance of numerous world leaders at the Pope's funeral, underscoring Israel's isolation in this context.
Broader Implications
- The Pope's death and the Israeli government's response may further strain relations with Christian communities in Israel, particularly given the Pope's historical support for peace in the region.
- As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Vatican's position may influence international perceptions of Israel's actions, potentially affecting future diplomatic engagements.
- The situation highlights the delicate balance Israel must maintain in its foreign relations, especially with religious institutions that hold significant sway in global politics.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reported that Israeli diplomats were angered by the deletion of the condolence post, stating, "Not only did we not say words of condolence, but we chose to erase them — and that looks bad." The New Arab noted that Israel's decision to send only its ambassador to the funeral reflects the deterioration of relations since the Gaza conflict began. The Independent highlighted the disappointment among Catholic leaders in Israel, with opposition MP Gilad Kariv expressing shame over the government's lack of an official message of condolences. This sentiment was echoed across multiple sources, indicating a consensus on the negative impact of the government's actions on its international standing.
How we got here
Pope Francis passed away on April 22, 2025, after a prolonged illness. His relationship with Israel had soured since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, as he criticized Israel's military actions. The Israeli government initially expressed condolences but later deleted a social media post, leading to diplomatic tensions.
Go deeper
- What were the Pope's views on the Gaza conflict?
- How have other countries reacted to the Pope's death?
- What impact might this have on Israel's relations with the Vatican?
Common question
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How has Pope Francis' death impacted global communities?
Pope Francis, a pivotal figure in advocating for peace and humanitarian efforts, passed away on April 21, 2025. His death has sent shockwaves through communities worldwide, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza. This page explores the profound effects of his passing on various communities and the responses from global leaders.
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How has Pope Francis's death impacted Israel's diplomatic relations?
The death of Pope Francis on April 22, 2025, has sent ripples through international diplomacy, particularly affecting Israel's relations with the Vatican. Following the Pope's passing, Israel faced significant backlash for its handling of condolences and representation at the funeral. This situation raises questions about the future of Israel-Vatican relations and the broader implications for the ongoing Gaza conflict.
More on these topics
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Isaac 'Bougie' Herzog is an Israeli politician. He served as a member of the Knesset between 2003 and 2018 and held several ministerial posts, including Minister of Welfare and Social Services.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
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Gilad Kariv is an Israeli Reform rabbi, attorney and politician. The Executive Director of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, he is currently a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party.
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.