Pope’s Silence on Israel Sparks Speculation
Pope Francis omits mention of Israel in Sunday prayer amid diplomatic tensions
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the President of the Vatican, drew attention when he refrained from mentioning Israel in his traditional Sunday prayer, despite previously listing it alongside Ukraine and Palestine.
The Pope, who performed the prayer from the window of his office overlooking St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, emphasized the ongoing conflicts in the world while praying for peace in Sudan and Mozambique. However, unlike his previous mentions of Israel, Pope Francis’ omission of the country’s name comes at a time of diplomatic tension between the Vatican and Israel.
This diplomatic strain was highlighted by the comments made by Vatican Secretary of State (Prime Minister) Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the 95th anniversary of the Lateran Treaty, in which he referred to what was happening in Gaza as a “massacre” and called for Israel’s support for the region. His comments were met with a harsh response from the Israeli Embassy in the Vatican, leading to a back and forth regarding the choice of words and translations in the statements made by both sides.
The Pope’s failure to mention Israel comes amidst his repeated calls for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have at times drawn backlash from certain Jewish groups. The delicate diplomatic relations and the Pope’s decision to omit Israel from his prayer serve as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape and the Vatican’s role in global affairs.
