Joshua Bennett
The status of Jerusalem is a highly contested issue in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Both Israel and Palestine claim Jerusalem as their capital, but neither claim is widely recognised internationally. The Vatican supports a two-state solution for the Holy Land, with independence, recognition, and secure borders for both Israel and Palestine. It has also consistently called for a special status for Jerusalem, particularly its Old City, to protect and guarantee access to the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Pope Francis expressed concern over former US President Donald Trump's plan to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, stating that such a move would further destabilize the Middle East.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholic Church's stance on Jerusalem as the capital of Israel | The Vatican supports a "two-state solution" for the Holy Land with independence, recognition, and secure borders for both Israel and Palestine. Pope Francis expressed concern over the US's move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, stating that such an action would further destabilize the Middle East. |
| Catholic Church's presence in Israel and Palestine | The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the main Roman Catholic institution in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. There are 103 Catholic parishes in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The Holy See is currently represented by an Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and an Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine. |
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What You'll Learn
The Catholic Church's stance on the land of Israel
According to Catholic doctrine, the Church is considered spiritual Israel or the "new Israel". This idea is supported by Paul's writings in Romans 9:6, which states that "not all who are of Israel are Israel". This indicates the existence of two Israels: one referring to the ethnic people of Israel, not all of whom believe in Jesus, and the other being the spiritual Israel, which includes those who have accepted the Messiah.
The Catholic Church acknowledges that God still has plans for the Jews as a unique people, which aligns with the Protestant school of thought known as dispensationalism. Dispensationalists believe that God's plan of the ages centres around the ethnic people of Israel and that God will once again deal primarily with the Jews after the close of the Church age.
However, the Catholic Church also recognises the validity of another Protestant school of thought, covenant theology, which asserts that the Church is spiritual Israel and that God does not have separate plans for the Jews. Covenant theology takes a more amillennial view, seeing the Millennium as the present reign of Christ in heaven and on earth through the Church.
While the Catholic Church does not take a definitive stance on territorial claims to the land of Israel, it has expressed concern over specific issues in the region. For example, in 2019, Catholic leaders wrote to President Trump to highlight the dire situation of hospitals in East Jerusalem and express concern over the recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel.
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The Vatican's support for a two-state solution
Pope Francis has called for a two-state solution on multiple occasions, stating that it is a wise solution and a critical underpinning for lasting peace. He has also stressed the need for a special status for Jerusalem, which is sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The Vatican's position is in contrast to that of Israel, which declared Jerusalem as its "united and eternal capital" in 1980 and has consistently rejected suggestions of a special or international status for the city.
Despite the Vatican's longstanding support for a two-state solution, there are challenges to its realization. Many Israelis and Palestinians have expressed weariness with the idea, believing that it may not lead to a viable solution. In addition, the decision by the United States to no longer consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as a violation of international law has made the prospects for a two-state solution more remote.
However, the Vatican continues to assert its position, believing that it is the only way to achieve a complete solution to the age-old conflict. The Vatican's support for a two-state solution is based on its interpretation of theological principles and its belief in the importance of international protections for the holy sites recognized by Israel.
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Pope Francis's concerns about the US recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital
Pope Francis expressed concern about the US recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Before the US officially announced the move, the Pope said he could not "keep silent about my deep concern" for Jerusalem. He urged respect for the "status quo of the city in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations".
Pope Francis' appeal emphasised that Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and has a "special vocation to peace". The Pope's concerns were rooted in the belief that dialogue and mutual respect are key to resolving disputes. He highlighted the importance of "recognising the rights of all people, wherever they happen to be" and emphasised the necessity of dialogue "in our families, in our religious communities, between different religious communities, and also in civil society".
The Vatican has long supported a "two-state solution" for the Holy Land, advocating for independence, recognition, and secure borders for both Israel and Palestine. It has also consistently called for a special status for Jerusalem, particularly its Old City, to protect and guarantee access to the holy sites of the three religions. The Vatican views the need for this special status as a separate issue from questions of political sovereignty or control over Jerusalem, which it believes must be resolved through negotiation.
The Pope's concerns were echoed by other world leaders, including the UK Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, who viewed the reports of the US's decision "with concern". France, the European Union, and the Arab League also expressed worry about the potential impact of the move.
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The history of Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the world's oldest cities, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. Its origins trace back to around 3000 BCE with the first settlement near the Gihon Spring. The city is first mentioned in Egyptian execration texts around 2000 BCE as "Rusalimum". By the 17th century BCE, Jerusalem had become a fortified city under Canaanite rule, with massive walls protecting its water system.
According to the Bible, at this time, Jerusalem was known as Jebus, and its independent Canaanite inhabitants were known as Jebusites. When the Hebrews came to the Land of Promise, the King of Jebus was Adonisedec (or Adoni-zedek in Joshua 10:1), who perished in the coalition of the five kings of Chanaan against Israel. However, due to its strong position, Jerusalem maintained its independence. In the distribution of the land among the children of Israel, it was assigned to the descendants of Benjamin. Jerusalem was also known as Salem (Peace), the capital of King Melchisedek.
During the Late Bronze Age, Jerusalem became a vassal of Ancient Egypt, as documented in the Amarna letters. The power of the Egyptians in the region began to decline in the 12th century BCE, during the Late Bronze Age collapse.
The Israelite history of the city is said to have begun around 1000 BCE when King David captured Jerusalem and made it the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel. David's son, Solomon, built the First Temple, establishing the city as a major political and religious centre. Following the kingdom's split, Jerusalem became the capital of the Kingdom of Judah until it was captured by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE.
After several decades of captivity in Babylon, Cyrus II of Persia allowed the Jews to return to Judah and rebuild the temple. The construction of the Second Temple was finished in 516 BCE, and Jerusalem remained under Persian rule until it was conquered by Alexander the Great. During this period, Jerusalem and Judea fell under Greek control and Hellenistic influence.
In the Siege of Jerusalem of 614, the city was captured by the Sassanids and Jews, who slaughtered tens of thousands of Christians and destroyed their monuments and churches. The conquered city remained in Sassanid hands until the Byzantine emperor Heraclius reconquered it in 629. Jerusalem then fell under Arab rule in 638 CE, with Jews being allowed back into the city after almost three centuries of banishment by the Romans and Byzantines.
In modern times, Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967, uniting the city under Israeli control. The status of Jerusalem remains highly contentious, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming it as their capital. Israeli scholars emphasise the ancient Jewish connection to the city, while Palestinian narratives highlight its broader historical and multicultural significance. The Catholic Church acknowledges that the Jewish people still have a special role in God's plan, and that God still has plans for the Jews as a unique people.
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The Catholic Church in Israel
The Heads of Churches in Jerusalem is a gathering of the patriarchs and other ordinaries of 13 local Christian churches in Jerusalem, including Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, Latin Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. In 2020, there were 1,310 members of religious orders and institutes of consecrated life in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The oldest of these is the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, established as a province in 1217.
The Catholic Church acknowledges that the Church is spiritual Israel, or the "new Israel," and that God still has plans for the Jews as a unique people. The Church does not hold that any particular people have an immutable divine right to a particular territory, but it acknowledges that the Jewish people still have a special role in God's plan.
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Frequently asked questions
The Vatican supports a "two-state solution" for the Holy Land, with independence, recognition, and secure borders for both Israel and Palestine. The Vatican has also consistently called for a special status for Jerusalem, particularly its Old City, to protect and guarantee access to the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Pope Francis has expressed concern about the potential negative impact on Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, who all venerate the holy places of their respective religions. The city is also the site of important historical events in the Bible, including the establishment of the First Temple by King Solomon.
The Catholic Church does not take a position on the political sovereignty or control of Jerusalem. Instead, it focuses on the moral implications of various courses of action, such as forcibly removing people from a territory. The Church respects the status quo of the city and supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Vatican has not taken a clear position on embassies being located in Jerusalem. However, Pope Francis has urged respect for the status quo of the city and the relevant United Nations resolutions.
The Catholic Church acknowledges that the Jewish people still have a special role in God's plan, and that God has future plans for them as a unique people. However, the Church also recognizes that not all who are of Israel are part of the spiritual Israel, which includes Gentiles who believe in the Messiah.
