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By Elis Gjevor

Israel’s foreign ministry summoned the Vatican’s ambassador, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, this week to express outrage over Pope Francis’ strong criticism of its abuses against Palestinians in Gaza.

According to reports, the meeting, held in Jerusalem on Tuesday and revealed later by Israeli media, was not classified as a formal reprimand but conveyed Israel’s deep dissatisfaction with the pope’s remarks.

In recent sermons and masses, Pope Francis has denounced the deaths of Palestinian children, accusing Israel of committing acts of “cruelty” by targeting schools and hospitals and unleashing violence that has devastated Gaza.



“Yesterday, children were bombed. This is cruelty, not war,” the pontiff declared last Saturday, lamenting the immense humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

Israel lashed out in response, accusing the pope of ignoring its security concerns.

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Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein accused the pope of ignoring the broader context of Israel’s military actions, which have resulted in the killing of 17,000 children.

Reports in the Israeli press also suggest that Israeli President Isaac Herzog is urgently seeking a meeting with the pope in an effort to mend strained ties.

Israeli officials fear the pope’s vocal criticisms and symbolic gestures – such as this year’s nativity scene in St Peter’s Square featuring baby Jesus resting on a Palestinian keffiyeh – may influence global public opinion.

Gaza
The “Christ Child” is displayed on a Palestinian keffiyeh as part of the “Nativity of Bethlehem 2024” displayed in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on 7 December 2024 (AFP)

Created by Bethlehem artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi, the nativity scene prominently features Palestinian materials, including olive wood, a symbol of Palestinian resilience.

During its unveiling, Pope Francis condemned the global arms industry for profiting from human suffering and reiterated his call for an end to all wars, urging the faithful to remember those suffering in the holy land.

The display, praised by many as a message of solidarity and peace, drew backlash from Israel’s supporters, who accused the Vatican of promoting a pro-Palestinian agenda.

Growing Israeli rift with the Vatican

This diplomatic skirmish highlights a deepening rift between the Vatican and Israel, as the pope’s outspoken defence of Gaza’s besieged population amplifies calls for Israeli accountability.

His steadfast advocacy has drawn attention to the plight of Palestinians, challenging Israel’s narrative and bolstering international scrutiny of its military operations.

The relationship between the Vatican and Israel has been deteriorating throughout Israel’s war on Gaza.

In February of this year, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, publicly criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling it disproportionate in the face of staggering casualties.

Speaking to reporters after an event in Rome, Parolin said: “Israel’s right to self-defence must be proportional, and with 30,000 dead, it certainly isn’t.”

 

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The comment sparked an immediate backlash from Israel. Its Embassy to the Holy See released a sharply worded statement, describing Parolin’s remarks as “deplorable”.

Since then, the death toll from Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has reached 45,400, with at least 107,940 wounded, according to the latest figures from the Palestinian health ministry.

The pontiff has maintained regular contact with Palestinians in the region, becoming increasingly outspoken in his criticism of Israel as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

His criticism of Israel has become more strident as Israel faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and human rights organisations have published a vast body of evidence detailing ethnic cleansing and war crimes committed by the Israeli army.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is also pursuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel’s war on Gaza.