LONDON: Israel’s Foreign Ministry has backtracked on a message of condolence shared on social media following the death of Pope Francis, deleting the post just hours after it was published.
The message, which appeared on the official X accounts of several Israeli embassies around the world, read: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing.” It was accompanied by an image of the pontiff at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the holiest site for Jewish people.
The Foreign Ministry later ordered the post to be taken down and instructed ambassadors not to sign books of condolence at Vatican missions worldwide, according to Israeli media reports.
The reversal reportedly sparked frustration among diplomats, especially in predominantly Catholic countries, and prompted internal criticism of the ministry’s leadership.
Raphael Schutz, Israel’s former ambassador to the Vatican, said: “I think the decision is a mistake. We shouldn’t keep score like this after someone’s death.”
Schutz and other diplomats argued that retracting condolences risked damaging Israel’s image among the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
While the Foreign Ministry said the original post was published “in error,” the decision to remove it appears tied to Pope Francis’ recent criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The pope, who died on Monday aged 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure, had emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
I send my deepest condolences to the Christian world and especially the Christian communities in Israel - the Holy Land - on the loss of their great spiritual father, His Holiness Pope Francis. A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) April 21, 2025
In his final Easter message he had repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and described the humanitarian situation there as “dramatic and deplorable.”
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said that the late pope “was very close to the community of Gaza, the parish of Gaza.”
Pope Francis said of Israel’s actions in Gaza in November 2023: “This is not war; this is terrorism.” His remark drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials and media, including an editorial in The Jerusalem Post accusing him of offering “unconditional support for Hamas.”
Aside from a message of condolence from President Isaac Herzog, who expressed the hope that the pope’s memory would “inspire acts of kindness and hope for humanity,” Israeli leaders have remained largely silent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar did not issue any public statement or social media posts.
The decision not to engage was met with criticism from Israeli commentators and members of the public, who argued that it did not reflect the views of most Israelis.
Political and religious leaders from across the world have expressed their condolences. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent official messages mourning the death of the head of the Vatican City State.
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, will be laid to rest in Rome on Saturday. Leaders from across the world, including the Arab region, are expected to attend. It remains unclear whether Israel will send an official delegation.
