From the Liveblog of
Monday, April 28, 2025
Israeli official denies Jerusalem responded insensitively to Pope Francis’s death
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
An Israeli official denies that Jerusalem responded insensitively to the death of Pope Francis last week.
“There was a representative of Israel at the funeral,” says the official, referring to Israel’s envoy to the Holy See. The pontiff’s funeral on Saturday was attended by world leaders and royalty including US President Donald Trump.
“The ambassadors around the world were instructed to go and sign the books of condolence at the Vatican missions,” the official continues. “In addition, there was a tweet from the president and a statement from the prime minister. We respect the feelings of Catholic believers around the world.”
Shortly after the pope’s death, the Foreign Ministry erased a post on its official X account expressing sorrow over the death of the pontiff, who was a critic of Israel’s war in Gaza and was inconsistent in his statements on Jewish-Christian ties.
“Rest in peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing,” read the post. It was taken down hours later.
The Times of Israel Community.