Israeli officials fear the pope’s vocal criticisms and symbolic gestures - such as this year’s nativity scene in St Peter’s Square featuring baby Jesus resting on a Palestinian keffiyeh - may influence global public opinion.
Created by Bethlehem artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi, the nativity scene prominently features Palestinian materials, including olive wood, a symbol of Palestinian resilience.
During its unveiling, Pope Francis condemned the global arms industry for profiting from human suffering and reiterated his call for an end to all wars, urging the faithful to remember those suffering in the holy land.
The display, praised by many as a message of solidarity and peace, drew backlash from Israel’s supporters, who accused the Vatican of promoting a pro-Palestinian agenda.
The purpose of the church is not to drive progress, but to drag the stragglers along. And they do it rather adeptly, first it’s “You shall still love them, even if they sin”, because that was always church doctrine, then it’s “of course sinners can be part of the flock, we all are sinners”, because that was always church doctrine, and then, a generation or five later it’s “How can it be sin, god made them like this”, because that was always church doctrine. Everything has always been always church doctrine, there’s nothing new under the sun.