Ten Years After the Vatican’s Recognition of Palestine as a State, the UN Visits Catholic Parish in Gaza
The Holy See recognized the State of Palestine after the 1993 Oslo Agreements, supporting a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A Comprehensive Agreement signed in 2015 between the Holy See and the State of Palestine established freedom of religion and conscience. The Vatican has consistently advocated for peace and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, including calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Following Hamas's attack on Israel, the Vatican supported Israel's right to defend itself while emphasizing the two-state solution. The Pope's stance on the Israeli offensive led to a tepid response from Israeli authorities following his death.
5 months ago
The Holy See has consistently advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recognizing the State of Palestine as early as 1993 following the Oslo Agreements 1. This position was solidified with the signing of a Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine in June 2015, which entered into force in January 2016 1 2. This agreement underscored the right to freedom of religion and conscience, guaranteed the exercise of worship in holy places, and affirmed the local Catholic Church's right to participate in social, charitable, and educational activities within Palestine 1.
Popes since 1948 have expressed concern for the Holy Places and the Palestinian people, with Pope Paul VI explicitly recognizing Palestinians as a people with legitimate aspirations 2. Subsequent popes, including John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, have reiterated the call for a sovereign, independent Palestinian homeland living peacefully alongside a secure State of Israel within internationally recognized borders 2. The Holy See supported the "State of Palestine's" admission as an observer member of the United Nations in 2012 2.
The ongoing tragedy in Gaza, marked by mass casualties, hunger, and deprivation, has intensified calls for an urgent international response and a definitive solution to the Palestinian question 2. Pope Francis has repeatedly urged for immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages 1 2. The Vatican's strong opposition to the Israeli offensive in Gaza has reportedly led to a strained relationship with Israeli authorities 1.
In a significant development, a delegation from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) visited the Holy Family Catholic parish in Gaza on July 1 1. This parish is currently sheltering hundreds of displaced individuals, including Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims 1. The visit, described by parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli as their first, aimed to assess conditions, greet displaced persons, and gather testimonies of distress 1.
The Holy Family parish in Gaza has been a critical hub for humanitarian assistance since the beginning of the war, providing care for the wounded and displaced Palestinians 1. Father Romanelli highlighted the parish's efforts, including lovingly caring for severely disabled Muslim children through the Missionaries of Charity 1. The UN representatives acknowledged and thanked the parish for its solidarity and hospitality towards both Christian and needy Muslim families 1.
Despite reports of imminent truces, the population in Gaza faces constant uncertainty and receives frequent evacuation orders in anticipation of military operations 1. The UN visit underscores the Catholic Church's deep concern for the welfare of those living in Gaza amidst the dire situation 1.
The international community is increasingly focused on finding a resolution, with France announcing its intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2. Preparations are also underway for a "High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution," though it was postponed due to the Israeli attack on Iran 2.
The Holy See emphasizes that the international community cannot remain passive while the "slaughter" in Gaza continues, urging adherence to humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and prohibition of collective punishment and forced displacement 2. It is hoped that the upcoming international conference will vigorously pursue a solution that finally guarantees the Palestinian people a state with secure, respected, and recognized borders 2.
What is the Church's teaching on peace and justice?
The Catholic Church teaches that peace is not merely the absence of war, but rather an enterprise of justice and a fruit of love . It is founded on a rational and moral order of society that has its roots in God .
Peace is intrinsically linked to justice, truth, love, and freedom . Pope John XXIII, in his encyclical Pacem in Terris, emphasized that peace is built upon these four pillars . The divine origin of humanity, society, and authority itself calls individuals, families, social groups, and states to live out relations of justice and solidarity .
The Second Vatican Council's Gaudium et Spes states that peace is "rightly and appropriately called an enterprise of justice" . It results from the order structured into human society by its divine Founder and is actualized by people striving for greater justice . Pope John Paul II reiterated this, stating that peace is reached through "a complete and universal justice: opus iustitiae pax" (the work of justice is peace) . The defense and promotion of human rights are essential for building a peaceful society and for the integral development of individuals, peoples, and nations . Injustice, particularly that which attacks human rights, can destroy the organic unity of the social order and affect international relations, thereby undermining peace .
Beyond justice, peace is also a fruit of love . While justice removes obstacles to peace, peace itself is an act and result of love . This earthly peace, arising from love of neighbor, symbolizes and results from the peace of Christ, who reconciled all people with God through His cross and poured forth the spirit of love into human hearts . Christians are called to do in love what truth requires and to join all peacemakers in pleading for and bringing about peace .
Peace is never attained once and for all but must be built up ceaselessly . It requires a constant mastering of passions and the vigilance of lawful authority, as the human will is unsteady and wounded by sin . Pope Paul VI emphasized that peace is "something that is built up day after day, in the pursuit of an order intended by God, which implies a more perfect form of justice among men" .
The Church recognizes that peace can be threatened by unjust violence, and while it is proper to defend peace, efforts should always be made to replace violence with negotiated, just, and honorable solutions . Violence engenders violence and leads to ruin . The Church praises those who renounce violence in vindicating their rights, provided it does not injure the rights and duties of others or the community .
Promoting integral human development, which includes human and spiritual progress, is considered the "new name of peace" . To wage war on misery and struggle against injustice is to promote the common good of humanity . Peace requires safeguarding personal well-being and the free and trusting sharing of inner spirits and talents among people .