But it seems clear that the Israeli government's resentment of Pope Francis's expressions of solidarity with the Palestinians, especially during the war in Gaza, has soured its response to his death.

JERUSALEM — Hours after Pope Francis’ death was announced, Israel's Foreign Ministry posted a short message on X: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing." ...

Pope Francis prays at Israel's separation barrier on his way to a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the West ...

Pope Francis visiting the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City, Israel, on 26 May, 2014 (EPA) ...

Iran’s highest-ranking Shiite cleric, who has issued a religious edict calling for the assassination of U.S. President Donald ...

POPE Leo XIV on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, renewed his call for global peace, voicing anguish over the ongoing violence in war-torn regions and urging world lead ...