Vatican distances itself from archbishop’s comments on Israel

October 27, 2010

Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, has distanced the Vatican from comments on Israel made by Melkite Archbishop Cyrille Bustros at a press conference on October 23, the day before the closing of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. Archbishop Bustros served as president of the commission that prepared the synod’s message to the People of God.

At the press conference, Archbishop Bustros was quoted as saying, “The Holy Scriptures cannot be used to justify the return of Jews to Israel and the displacement of the Palestinians, to justify the occupation by Israel of Palestinian lands,” adding, “We Christians cannot speak of the 'promised land' as an exclusive right for a privileged Jewish people. This promise was nullified by Christ. There is no longer a chosen people-- all men and women of all countries have become the chosen people.”

In response, Father Lombardi said that the archbishop was speaking only for himself and that the message itself was the synod’s “only approved written text.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Synod's Rough Landing (National Catholic Register)
• Message to the People of God (Synod of Bishops)
• Israel, American Jewish Committee blast synod remarks (CWN, 10/25)
• Dr. Jeff Mirus: A Jewish Defense of Vatican II? (On the Culture)