Chiesa: Israel Is Fighting for its Life, but the Vatican “Deplores”

Departing secretary of state Sodano is one of the prominent proponents of the anti-Israeli camp. But there are some who have a different view on the new war in Lebanon. An interview with Fr. David Maria Jaeger
by Sandro Magister
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These constant features of Vatican geopolitics all appear in the “declaration” released on July 14 by cardinal Angelo Sodano, the departing secretary of state:

“As in the past, the Holy See also condemns both the terrorist attacks of the one and the military retaliation of the other. In fact, the right of a state to defend itself does not exempt it from respecting the norms of international law, especially in those matters concerning the protection of the civilian population. In particular, the Holy See deplores the attack on Lebanon, a free and sovereign nation, and confirms its closeness to the people of Lebanon, who have already suffered so much in the defense of their independence.”

In comparison with the words pronounced by Benedict XVI at the Angelus two days later, one notes in this declaration from Sodano a more unbalanced position against Israel, which is given almost the entire weight of responsibility for the extension of the conflict into Lebanon.

But this is not a surprise, coming from Sodano. The anti-Israeli party that is active in the curia has always had him as one of their leading proponents.

Further proof is found in the enthusiasm with which the official Hezbollah radio and television outlet, “Al Manar,” greeted the July 14 declaration from Sodano, taking it as the position of pope Benedict XVI, “a defender of human rights and a model of sanctity.”