Israel expresses condolences for Pope Francis, three days after death
The Israeli government on Thursday shared its condolences over the death of Pope Francis, three days after the 88-year-old passed away.
“The State of Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis,” said a post from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. “May he rest in peace.”
Relations between Israel and the Vatican have deteriorated significantly since the war in Gaza.
Pope Francis repeatedly criticized Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territory, in which around 1,000 Christians also live.
According to Israeli media, the Israeli government deleted a message of condolence following the Pope’s death a few hours after it was published on social media.
Unlike many other countries that are sending their leaders to the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, Israel will only be represented by the Israeli ambassador, the Times of Israel reported.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences to Christians immediately after the death of Pope Francis became public.
He said that Pope Francis was “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion” and had worked to strengthen relations with the Jewish world.
