The Israeli government has extended its heartfelt condolences over the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Monday. The State of Israel joins the rest of the world in mourning the loss of this beloved spiritual leader, who touched the lives of millions with his message of love, compassion, and peace.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church in 2013. He was known for his humility, simplicity, and dedication to serving the poor and marginalized. His papacy was marked by his efforts to bridge the gap between different religions and promote interfaith dialogue.
The Israeli government, in a statement released on Thursday, expressed its deepest sympathies to the Catholic community and the Vatican. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. He was a man of great wisdom and compassion, who worked tirelessly to promote peace and understanding among all people.”
President Reuven Rivlin also paid tribute to the late Pope, saying, “Pope Francis was a true friend of the Jewish people and a strong advocate for the State of Israel. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to promoting dialogue and coexistence between different faiths.”
The State of Israel and the Catholic Church have a long history of mutual respect and cooperation. In 1993, Israel and the Vatican established diplomatic relations, and since then, the two have worked together on various initiatives to promote peace and religious tolerance in the region.
Pope Francis made a historic visit to Israel in 2014, where he met with Israeli leaders and visited holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. During his visit, he also made a powerful statement by praying at the separation wall in Bethlehem, calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The Pope’s visit to Israel was seen as a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Jewish state. His message of peace and reconciliation resonated with people of all faiths, and his visit left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of Israelis.
The passing of Pope Francis has left a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His teachings of love, forgiveness, and acceptance will live on, and his message of peace will continue to guide us towards a better future.
As we mourn the loss of this great spiritual leader, let us also celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on the world. The State of Israel stands in solidarity with the Catholic community and the Vatican during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we join them in honoring the memory of Pope Francis.
In conclusion, the Israeli government extends its deepest condolences to the Catholic community and the Vatican over the passing of Pope Francis. His legacy will continue to inspire us to work towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. May his soul rest in peace.
