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The war in Israel has brought up the topic of what role the Catholic Church plays in Israeli politics. The history behind the meaning of Jerusalem and the significance the city has played in the formation of the Catholic Religion is so important. Both the Vatican and Israel share a mutual respect for each other. The Vatican has expressed its primary concern for the conditions happening and announced October 27 as a day of fasting to end the war.

With everything going on currently in the Middle East, it is helpful to understand what role the Catholic Church plays in Israeli politics. The relationship between Israel and the Vatican has been evolving since Israel became a country in 1948. The Vatican officially recognized the State of Israel in 1993. This was a significant moment as it occurred after years of negotiations and was a signal to the world of the Church’s acknowledgment of Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation. 

Central to this relationship is Jerusalem. The Vatican, along with other religious communities (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) all share a longstanding interest in Jerusalem as an important place of religious significance. Leaders from all three religious groups have maintained ongoing communication regarding the preservation of historical religious sites. Occasionally there has been and continues to be some strains in the relationship over property rights, taxation, and maintaining the sites.  

For Catholics and Christians, Jerusalem is the city where major events in Jesus Christ’s life occurred, including the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. For Jews, Jerusalem is the eternal and spiritual capital where the First and Second Temples stood. The Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple has immense reverence for Jews and symbolizes the eternal connection between the Jewish people, their faith, and Jerusalem. For Muslims, Jerusalem is where the third holiest site in Islam is located, the Al-Aqsa Mosque.  Furthermore, the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount holds great spiritual value to Muslims and is believed to be the site of Prophet Ibriham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.  

There is an open and delicate dialogue between Israel and the Vatican. Both share a commitment to mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful co-existence. There are many Christian communities within Israel. Recently, the Vatican has offered to mediate the Israel-Gaza conflict and negotiate a hostage release. The Vatican has expressed that peace and the return of hostages were the church’s primary concern. Pope Francis has announced October 27, 2023, as a day of fasting and prayer for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.