22.04.2025 21:40
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly deleted a condolence message it posted on social media regarding the death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the head of the Vatican State. It was noted that some Israeli ambassadors criticized this decision in the ministry's internal communication groups.
The official social media accounts of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a condolence message regarding the death of the spiritual leader of Catholics and the President of the Vatican City, Pope Francis. The message stated, "Pope Francis, rest in peace, may his memory live on with goodness."
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE DELETED, MINISTRY GOT INVOLVED
It was reported that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which later deleted this post, also sent instructions to its diplomatic representatives worldwide to delete the message. Some Israeli ambassadors criticized this decision in the ministry's internal communication groups, arguing that it would "harm Israel's image in the Christian world and the Catholic community."
"IT WAS DONE BY MISTAKE" DEFENSE
A senior official from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "the condolence post was made by mistake, that they were responding to statements made by the Pope while he was alive, and that they would not do so after his death, respecting the feelings of the believers." However, it was reported that some individuals working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized this decision, stating, "Not only are we not offering condolences, but we are also deleting it, which looks very bad."
HIS LAST MESSAGE CALLED FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
It is assessed that Pope Francis's critical statements regarding Israel's occupation policies in Palestinian territories and attacks on Gaza influenced this step taken by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his last message before his death, Pope Francis had called for a ceasefire in Gaza. During Pope Francis's tenure, the Vatican officially recognized the state of Palestine in 2015.