Pope Benedict XVI: a cautious approach to Middle East peace

Abstract

Pope Benedict XVI came to the papacy with a very limited track record in terms of Catholic–Jewish relations generally speaking and virtually no public perspective on political issues related to the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Since assuming the papacy he has addressed the Middle East political conflict only on a few occasions save for his trip to the region where he spoke to the question at length throughout his visit to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He was somewhat cautious in his remarks while highlighting several key issues. Pope Benedict affirmed several times during his visit that Christian–Muslim reconciliation was a strongly desired goal on the part of the Vatican. But he also gave his strong endorsement to territorial sovereignty for Israel alongside a Palestinian state. He even implied a direct connection between biblical Israel and the modern state. On numerous occasions he encouraged the local Christian community to stand fast in its faith and not leave the region. For Pope Benedict the continuation of a vibrant Christian community in the Middle East is of the highest priority. The future position of the Pope and the Vatican will no doubt be affected by the reception accorded to the KAIROS Palestine document, the results of the ongoing negotiations between the Holy See and the Israeli government over a host of specific issues such as taxation, clergy permits, etc., the development of a serious peace plan by US President Barack Obama and the conclusions of the Synod on the Middle East in October 2010.

Keywords:

• Pope Benedict XVI
• Fundamental Agreement
• two state solution
• Jordan
• Israel
• Palestinian Authority
• Arab Christians
• dividing wall

Notes

 1. Eugene J. Fisher and Leon Klenickk, eds., Spiritual Pilgrimage: Texts on Jews and Judaism 1979–1995 (New York: Crossroad and the Anti-Defamation League, 1995), 34.

 2. John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, ‘The Vatican–Israeli Accords: Their Implications for Catholic Faith and Teaching’, in A Challenge Long Delayed: The Diplomatic Exchange Between The Holy See and the State of Israel, ed. Eugene J. Fisher and Leon Kienicki (New York: Anti-Defamation League, 1996), 10–19.

 3. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Arrival in Jordan’, Origins 39, no. 2 (May 21, 2009): 17–18.

 4. Fisher and Klenickk, Spiritual Pilgrimage.

 5. For the text of the KAIROS document see http://www.kairospalestine.ps/sites/default/Documents/English.pdf.

 6. For a critique of the KAIROS document see ‘Reform Rabbinate Voices Deep Concern and Criticism of Document Issued by Palestinian Christians’, Zenit News Agency, May 1, 2010.

 7. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Arrival in Israel’, Origins 39, no. 2 (May 21, 2009): 27–8.

 8. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Meeting with Israeli President’, Origins 39, no. 2 (May 21, 2009): 29–30.

 9. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Address at Holocaust Memorial’, Origins 39, no. 2 (May 21, 2009): 29–30.

10. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Interreligious Meeting’, Origins 39, no. 2 (May 21, 2009): 30–31.

11. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Tour of the Dome of the Rock’, Origins 39, no. 3 (May 28, 2009): 39.

12. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Meeting with Holy Land Bishops’, Origins 39, no. 3 (May 28, 2009): 41.

13. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Mass in Jerusalem’, Origins 39, no. 3 (May 28, 2009): 42.

14. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Mass in Jerusalem’, Origins 39, no. 3 (May 28, 2009), 42.

15. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Mass in Jerusalem’, Origins 39, no. 3 (May 28, 2009), 44.

16. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Mass in Jerusalem’, Origins 39, no. 3 (May 28, 2009), 43.

17. Benedict XVI, ‘Holy Land Visit: Departure from Palestinian Territories’, Origins 39, no. 3 (May 28, 2009): 46.

18. ‘Pope's Speech Concluding Middle East Tour’, Reuters News Agency, 7, May 15, 2009.

19. ‘Pontiff Requests Prayers for Peace in Jerusalem’, Zenit News Agency, March 14, 2010.