clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

When Pope Francis recognises the state of Palestine

May 19, 2015 at 3:43 pm

This year, the (67th) anniversary of the Nakba was accompanied by Pope Francis’s announcement that the Vatican officially recognises Palestine and his call to start direct negotiations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Palestinian territories. The Vatican’s thought process serves as evidence to suggest that it is willing to deal with Palestine as a state and not simply the Palestine Liberation Organisation as a political organisation, especially when it comes to issues such as Israel’s land confiscations in occupied East Jerusalem. The church would also like to address the dire situation in Gaza and Israel’s categorisation of the territory as a “hostile entity”, which is often used to justify its periodic offensives against the Palestinians in the enclave.

It should also be said that the Vatican went on to canonise two 19th century Palestinian nuns, Mary Bawardi and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, as saints along with two nuns from France and Italy. The recognition of the two Palestinian nuns should be perceived as a renewal of Palestinian revolutionary spirit and also call into question Israel’s continued violation of international law and UN resolutions, not to mention its expansion of illegal settlement projects. Such actions go beyond describing Israel’s policies as the outcome of military occupation; on the contrary, it must be said that Israel’s actions are transforming the country into a colonial state that seeks to engulf the whole of the Palestinian territories. The Vatican celebrated its announcement in the presence of several Palestinian and Arab leaders, including President Mahmoud Abbas, the ambassador of the Arab League, Naseef Hittti and various diplomats.

Israeli officials responded to the Vatican’s decision by saying that they were “disappointed” and “frustrated”; this was to be expected from the current Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, as it is the most right-wing in Israel’s history. Hence, the Israeli government views the Vatican’s decision as one that calls for the recognition of the Palestinian state, as it is outlined urgently in international law. Furthermore, the Vatican’s recognition of the state of Palestine legitimises Palestinian aspirations towards national liberation and acknowledges their rights as a people. Not only that, but this step has also exposed Benjamin Netanyahu’s and Israel’s intention to continue with their aggression towards the Palestinian people, because the reality is that they are not truly concerned about achieving a peaceful solution.

Indeed, Israelis believe that Pope Francis’s statement “reinforces the Palestinian cause at Israel’s expense.” It could, in fact, be possible that this declaration may deter Israel’s continued settlement expansion and violation of international laws and Palestinian rights.

Netanyahu has voiced his belief that any recognition of the Palestinian state should also be viewed as an “attempt to mobilise against the Jewish people” or an act of hostility towards the Jews. What Netanyahu’s statements fail to acknowledge is that the violence and aggression that has characterised Israel since its inception are what have determined global perceptions of the state and that more and more people around the world are beginning to view its actions and policies as inhumane and illegitimate within the framework of international law. Israel’s attempts to hide behind its Zionist projects by portraying itself as a perpetual victim will only lead to more backlash and will shed more light on its criminal wars against Gaza and the apartheid that it enforces in the Palestinian territories at large. In short, Israel is no longer above any criticism.

Since his inauguration into the papacy, Pope Francis has dedicated himself to many humanitarian causes and stunned the world with his humility and humanity. The amount of admiration and respect that he has received has not been limited to the Catholic Church but has also expanded on a global scale.

The pontiff continues to play the role of the humble leader, one who is concerned with the issues of poor people, bringing an end to extremism and shedding light on humanitarian issues. Pope Francis does not limit himself to giving religious sermons but also goes a step beyond that in becoming a voice for the voiceless. The Vatican’s recognition of the Palestinian state comes as a pleasant surprise to the people of Palestine, to which we can only say thank you Pope Francis, because you have lit an otherwise very dark road.

Translated from Al-Araby Al-Jadid, 18 May, 2015.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.