Pope Francis wielded enormous global influence and his words often resonated beyond the Church. That's why his comments on Israel's war on Gaza were so significant. They marked a sharp break from the Vatican's historically cautious stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Pope Francis condemned attacks on civilians and directly criticised Israel, using words like 'terrorism' and 'genocide' – remarks that quickly drew backlash from Israel and its supporters.
Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi reports. Xavier Abu Eid, a political scientist and former adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization, says Palestinians have lost a dear friend with the death of Francis, whom he describes as a staunch defender of their right to self-determination
POPE FRANCIS AND PALESTINE
by Nada Jung
Apr 25
Pope Francis wielded enormous global influence and his words often resonated beyond the Church.
That's why his comments on Israel's war on Gaza were so significant.
They marked a sharp break from the Vatican's historically cautious stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Pope Francis condemned attacks on civilians and directly criticised Israel, using words like 'terrorism' and 'genocide' – remarks that quickly drew backlash from Israel and its supporters.
Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi reports.
Xavier Abu Eid, a political scientist and former adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization, says Palestinians have lost a dear friend with the death of Francis, whom he describes as a staunch defender of their right to self-determination