The Vatican announcement of Pope Francis’ death on Monday morning was filled with a mix of celebrations and criticism in Israel. There, politicians, critics and social media users focused on Israel’s condemnation amid the war with the Gaza Strip, the Middle Eastern Eye reported Monday.
The 88-year-old Pope died in his final speech on Easter Sunday after denounced the “deplorable humanitarian situation” caused by the Israeli onslaught and the Israeli onslaught in Gaza.
“I appeal to the political parties that fight, and I will call for a ceasefire, free hostages, and help from hungry people who seek to gain a future of peace,” he said.
Rafi Schutz, former Vatican ambassador to Israel, wrote that he was “the pope who brought the world closer to him and disappointed Israel.”
The Pope’s position on Israel after the start of the war deserves “severe criticism,” and Schutz continued, adding that it marked a “big blow” on Israeli Batican relations.
Right-wing newspaper Israel Hayo said Israel would be remembered “mainly because of his harsh statements on the war in Gaza.”
Similarly, far-right Channel 14 called him the “severe critic” of Israel.
Zvika Klein, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, characterized Pope Francis’ criticism of Israel and his support for the Palestinians under attacks of “unconditional support for Hamas.”
“When he was appointed there was a certain kind of optimism in the Jewish world,” Klein said. “In recent months, there has been a huge disappointment from the Israeli and the Jewish statements (causes).”
The Pope repeatedly criticised Israel’s war against the murder of Israel’s Gaza Strip, particularly the Palestinian children, attracting the rage of Israeli politicians.
He held nearby calls with the Christian community of Gaza during the war.
His book, “Hope Never Luscrids: Pilgrims Toward A Better World, published in late 2024, sought an investigation into “expert” allegations, suggesting that Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip could be characterized as genocide.
In December, Israel’s Foreign Ministry summoned top Vatican diplomats after comments by Pope Francis, who accused Israel of being “cruel” in Gaza.
“Better without him”
Many ordinary Israelis joined social media to express their satisfaction with the Pope’s death due to his stance on Israel’s war.
Commenting under a Channel 14 article, one user called him a “scoundrel” and said, “It’s good that he’s dead.”
“Thank God for the Pope’s death,” another agreed.
On Facebook, social media users categorized him as “Jewish hatred.”
Under Kan 11’s post on the death of the Pope, one user wrote:
Under the YNET report, under another report, “Pope Francis will be remembered as someone who consistently supported modern anti-Semitism,” adding that the world is “better without him.”
Another user said the Pope was “a father of impurities. Another pedophile,” adding that he “thank God.” Another user said: “Finally good news.”
On the Walla News account, one user called him “the heretic who supported Nazi Hamas.” And another asked: “Why are you a deceased Israeli hater and an announcement in the Jewish media?”
Another user wrote, “After his disgusting statement to Israel, he has lived for several more months and is fortunate that he did not die soon.”
Some people in Israel mourned the death of the Pope.
President Isaac Herzog wrote that he sent X “to his great spiritual father, his sacred Pope Francis, to Christianity, especially the Christian community of Israel – the holy land.”
Herzog added: “I really hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of hostages will be answered soon. May his memory continue to encourage acts of kindness, unity and hope.”
One user replied, “Don’t speak in my name. The Pope was an evil anti-Semite,” but many Israelis expressed anger over these types of posts.
“What a racist. Incredible,” one person wrote. “I don’t respect either religion.”