I had posted some comments of Archbishop Twal a week ago concerning his worries about the aftermath of anything Pope Benedict might say during his visit to the Holy Land that could be twisted into a political issue by the media. The prelate’s own words were as balanced as possible, appealing for both Palestinians and Israelis who were being victimized by all the violence, but he was not remiss in denouncing the unjust occupation of Palestine by Israeli forces and settlers and the plight of these poor people whom the world views with cold apathy.
Catholic Culture reports: In an address welcoming Pope Benedict to the Valley of Josaphat– located below the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane– Archbishop Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, compared the agony of Palestinians and Israelis alike to Christ’s agony in the garden and denounced the “unjust occupation” that affects the lives of Palestinians. Read full article with links here.
