In a poignant farewell, Catholic priest Father Louis Salman presided over his final mass in Beit Sahour on Sunday before being forced to leave the Palestinian territories and return to Jordan after Israeli authorities refused to renew his residency permit.
Father Louis, who serves as the pastor of the Latin Church in Beit Sahour and the spiritual advisor for youth, and is considered one of the most influential figures among Palestinian Christian youth, was officially informed that he must leave the country before Monday, 11th May, following a lengthy and unusual security investigation conducted by Israeli authorities.
According to church sources, Israel justified its decision by citing Father Louis’s political stances and his significant influence on Christian youth, particularly given his public statements describing Israel as an “occupying power,” in addition to his national and humanitarian presence at numerous Palestinian events.
Father Louis Salman, born in 1989, hails from Jordan. He studied computer graphics and animation at Princess Sumaya University for Technology.
Father Louis’s name became prominent following the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
He led a funeral service and a solemn procession for her in Jenin - prior to her burial in Jerusalem - a moment that deeply moved Palestinians and was later deemed “political incitement” by Israeli authorities.
In recent days, Beit Sahour has become a space for open farewells to a priest whose name is synonymous with youth, spiritual work, and national service.
The Palestinian Christian Youth held a tribute ceremony for Father Louis, attended by approximately 150 young men and women from various Palestinian cities.
His final mass on Sunday, was attended by a large congregation from the Bethlehem Governorate, who bid him farewell with feelings of both sorrow and pride.