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The delay in issuing a statement reflected apparent tensions between Israel and Francis, who criticized Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza.
April 25, 2025, 7:30 a.m. ET
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel offered condolences Thursday on the passing of Pope Francis, more than three days after the death of the Roman Catholic world’s leader.
The delay in issuing a statement highlighted apparent tensions in the relationship between Israeli officials and the pope, who pointedly criticized Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza and repeatedly called for a cease-fire.
“The State of Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis,” the office of the Israeli prime minister said in a post on X. “May he rest in peace.”
Neither the Hebrew-language X account for the prime minister’s office nor Mr. Netanyahu’s personal account carried the short statement. Mr. Netanyahu usually issues condolence statements shortly after the deaths of world leaders.
Francis, who frequently phoned members of Gaza’s dwindling Christian community, took advantage of major addresses to the Catholic world to call for the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by militants.
“My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine,” he said during Easter Sunday Mass in 2024.
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