The recent passing of Pope Francis has led to unexpected political tensions between Israel and its diplomatic representatives around the world.
The Israeli government ordered a widespread deletion of condolence messages following the pope’s death, with instructions to its embassies and consulates to remove any public expressions of sympathy.
The move has raised eyebrows, as the nation’s official social media account initially posted a tribute reading, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.
May his memory be a blessing,” only to delete it hours later.
Israel’s Response to Pope Francis’s Death
Pope Francis’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief from many across the world, including Israel’s Prime Minister Isaac Herzog, who posted a heartfelt message expressing his sorrow.
However, hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained silent, a decision that is notable given the pope’s history of outspoken criticism of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians.
In particular, Pope Francis was critical of Israel’s military actions, such as when he referred to Israel’s military retaliation against Gaza in 2023 as “terrorism.”
This criticism, along with the pontiff’s calls for better treatment of Palestinians and support for the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who was barred from entering Gaza, made Pope Francis a contentious figure in Israeli politics.
Despite these disagreements, the pope was also known for his calls for peace and his condemnation of the rise in antisemitism following Israel’s Gaza invasion.
Diplomatic Backlash to the Deletion of Condolences
The Israeli government’s decision to delete condolence messages has caused frustration within the country’s diplomatic community.
Some diplomats, who spoke to local media anonymously, expressed disappointment, stating that they received no clear explanation for the directive, only a vague statement that the matter was “under review.”
One diplomat described the move as “very bad,” emphasizing how it not only erased words of sympathy but also made Israel appear cold and unfeeling.
The diplomatic community’s frustration was palpable, with one official commenting that they were instructed to remove the posts with no opportunity to explain their actions.
This has further strained relations between the Israeli government and its representatives, particularly at a time when global public sentiment is focused on mourning the death of a widely respected figure.
Thousands Pay Tribute to Pope Francis
In stark contrast to the political controversy surrounding the deletion of condolences, millions around the world are paying their respects to Pope Francis.
At the Vatican, more than 20,000 mourners lined up in long queues, some waiting for up to eight hours, to view the pontiff’s body.
St. Peter’s Basilica, where the pope’s body lies in state, has remained open to the public, allowing pilgrims and admirers to say their final goodbyes.
Many who queued spoke of their emotional experiences, with some sharing brief but heartfelt moments in front of the pope’s open casket.
As the queue continued to grow, the Vatican extended visiting hours, keeping the basilica open late into the night to accommodate the thousands of people eager to pay their respects.
The final day for the public to view Pope Francis will be on the eve of his funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday.
A Tense Intersection of Politics and Faith
The controversy surrounding Israel’s response to the pope’s death highlights a complex intersection of politics, diplomacy, and religion.
While some Israelis may feel that the pope’s criticism of their government is unforgivable, others argue that deleting condolences was an unnecessary move that further soured international relations.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains clear that the passing of Pope Francis has ignited passionate debates on a global scale, bringing both grief and political tension to the forefront.