Israel’s foreign ministry summoned Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, the Vatican’s ambassador, to express strong dissatisfaction with Pope Francis’ recent comments on Israeli actions in Gaza. During a meeting on Tuesday, Israel voiced its displeasure over the pope’s remarks, which condemned the deaths of Palestinian children and Israel’s attacks on schools and hospitals. In his sermons, Pope Francis described the violence as “cruelty, not war, ” and decried the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel responded, accusing the pope of overlooking the security concerns behind its military actions, which have resulted in significant casualties, including 17,000 children. Reports indicate that Israeli President Isaac Herzog is seeking a meeting with the pope to address the growing tension and mend relations.