And after Msgr. Pietro Sambi’s voicing of his “disappointment” and “frustration” at the Israeli government’s polices regarding the Holy See and the Catholic Church, its the turn of Msgr. Antonio Franco.The two men are linked by the title of papal representative in Israel, the former holding the post to 2005 the latter the current envoy.
Therefore it has become increasingly difficult to dampen the conviction that this is opinion of Vatican officials, a conviction further supported a recent reference to Msgr. Sambi’s “experience” made by Vatican press office director Fr. Federico Lombardi.
Sambi, moreover, was promoted to Washington from Tel Aviv, in short, a key position in international diplomacy.
The two nuncio’s evaluation of Israeli policies appears similar, if somewhat diverse in tone: in an interview with the Jerusalem Post, maser. Franco spoke of “some kind of frustration” at “so long a time to reach [an] agreement”, adding that “feelings of disappointment are natural”.
“It’s plain to everyone how much one can trust in Israeli promises!”: Msgr. Sambi, had commented five days ago in reference to the same problem. And he had added “relations between the Holy See and Israel were far better when there was no diplomatic relationship”.
Both nuncio’s are referring to the time spent vainly trying to see commitments upheld.
“December 30 1993 – explained Msgr. Sambi – the Fundamental Accord was signed, beyond the establishment of diplomatic ties, it also set out a juridical accord, signed in 1997 which has never been enacted on Israeli territory, as well as an economic Accord which touched on three key issues: Church property unjustly expropriated or unjustly subjected to misuse; the services the Church provides to the Israeli people, be they Jewish or Palestinian: fair compensation for a fair service, as is the case with state institutions; the issue of taxes”.
That same day in a declaration regarding the interview with Msgr Sambi on a terrasanta.net, Fr. Lombardi affirmed that it “reflects his thoughts and personal experience as a result of years spent in service of the apostolic delegation to Jerusalem and as the Nuncio to Israel. The Holy See – he continued – repeats its hope – already expressed during President Peres’ recent visit to the Holy Father – ‘for a rapid conclusion to the important negotiations which are still ongoing and for a solution of common accord to existing problems”.
The main objective of these three positions, expressed by Vatican officials appears to be focused on obtaining a concrete step forward in the next meeting of the mixed Commission due on December 12th.
The Israeli daily also published the opinion of Rabbi David Rosen on the issue, who is said to have been involved in negotiations on the Accord 14 years ago and is in charge of interfaith relations at the American Jewish Committee.
“The Vatican is showing remarkable patience and understanding regarding commitments made by the State of Israel in the Fundamental Agreement, which were to be resolved within two years but which have still not been resolved”.
Rosen adds that this “patience” is a sign of the Vatican’s commitment to good relations with the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
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