An immediate and permanent cease-fire would leave Hamas and its military capabilities in place in Gaza. In such a scenario, who will protect Israeli citizens from continued acts of terrorism?
Christians and Jews have come together to support the U.S. civil rights movement and the end of apartheid in South Africa. The repression of the Uyghurs in China also demands interreligious unity.
One might criticize Pope Francis' statements about the war in Gaza, but they should not be confused with the question of the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Jewish people.
“In the light of the numerous communications that have been sent to me by various friends and Jewish organizations from all over the world...I feel the desire to assure you of my closeness and affection,” Pope Francis writes.