Israel attacks Vatican after Pope condemns child murder

Pope Francis condemns atrocities in Gaza, exposing growing global outrage at Israel’s actions in the Holy Land

Israel’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Vatican’s ambassador, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, this week to express outrage at Pope Francis’ harsh criticism of Israel’s abuses of Palestinians in Gaza.

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

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

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

Israel reacted strongly, accusing the pope of ignoring its security concerns.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein accused the pope of disregarding the broader context of Israel’s military actions, which resulted in the deaths of 17,000 children.

Reports in the Israeli press also suggest that Israeli President Isaac Herzog is urgently seeking a meeting with the pope to try to repair damaged ties.

Israeli officials fear that the pope’s blunt criticism and symbolic gestures — such as this year’s nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, where the baby Jesus rests on a Palestinian kefiah — could influence global public opinion.

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

During the inauguration, 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 criticism from Israel supporters, who accused the Vatican of promoting a pro-Palestinian agenda.

Growing rift between Israel and the Vatican

This diplomatic confrontation highlights a growing rift between the Vatican and Israel, as the pope’s blunt defense of Gaza’s beleaguered population intensifies calls for Israel’s accountability.

The pontiff’s firm stance has drawn attention to the plight of the Palestinians, challenging the Israeli narrative and increasing international scrutiny over its military operations.

Relations between the Vatican and Israel deteriorated over the course of Israel’s war in Gaza.

In February this year, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, publicly criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, classifying it as disproportionate given the impressive casualties.

Speaking to journalists after an event in Rome, Parolin stated: “Israel’s right to self-defense must be proportionate, and with 30,000 dead, it certainly is not.”

The comment drew an immediate response from Israel. His embassy to the Holy See released a scathing 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 injured, according to the latest figures from the Palestinian Health Ministry.

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

The pope’s criticism of Israel has intensified as the country faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and human rights organizations 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 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s war in Gaza.

With information from Middle East Eye*