Pope Francis' announcement of the cardinal appointment of Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, is a dramatic move that has political implications for the Catholic Church. This is the first time in history that the holder of the position of the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem is promoted to the rank of cardinal.
This appointment emphasizes the importance that the Catholic Church considers its presence in the Holy Land. Pizzaballa's appointment sends a message from the Vatican to Israel that it is concerned about the situation of Christians in the Holy Land and the wave of spitting, desecration of graves and churches by a small number of Ultra-Orthodox Jews and extreme right-wing activists.
Pizzaballa has lived in Israel continuously for almost 20 years. From 2004 to 2016 he was the custos, the custodian of the holy places. From 2016 to 2020 he was the chief administrator of the Patriarchate, and from 2020 to the present day, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Pour les vrais #Catho : les #AEDB les amis de Don Bosco !
— Jean-Claude MUKENDI Israël (@kalombo_claude) July 10, 2023
Un Prêtre, Supérieur Majeur des salésiens de Don Bosco, est nommé #CARDINAL, Il va recevoir ses insignes au Consistoire du 30/09/203.
Son Éminence Angel Cardinal Fernandez, salésien de Don Bosco ! pic.twitter.com/ohVj6usTZ0
Officials in the Vatican explained that the Pope appoints and promotes people, among other things, according to places that are perceived as sensitive points in terms of the Church. This is not only the damage to the churches and clergy, it is also a message that the Vatican regards the State of Israel as a religiously central place. After all, there is no other place where Jesus lived except within the modern borders of Israel.
Israel is also a complex place in terms of living conditions for Christians. The harassment of Christians in Jerusalem and in Israel, in general, is on the rise. So, for example, just yesterday three young men were arrested on suspicion of spitting on a priest in the Old City of Jerusalem. About two weeks ago, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana met with Pizzaballa, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, against this background of rising extremist violence.
Pres @Isaac_Herzog condemns rise in attacks against Christians in Israel and Jerusalem, incl. desecration of graves and spitting at priests.
— Lazar Berman (@Lazar_Berman) July 9, 2023
"He calls it a "perverse evil & utter disgrace."
"The State of Israel is committed to putting an end to this phenomenon," he pledges.
At the meeting, Ohana condemned the displays of violence against Christian clergy and citizens in recent times, across the country and in Jerusalem in particular, and added: "This is not something we are ready to accept, neither as a Knesset nor as a state. We want you to feel safe and free here.
Pizzaballa's appointment is also for other purposes. The Vatican wants to increase its involvement in the region, including in the peace process. While the Palestinians pay more attention to the Vatican than Israel, the Vatican wants to get the attention of the Israelis as well, especially when the Pope is active in calling for calm behavior in the region.
