Rev. Munther Isaac, Lutheran pastor in Bethlehem, offered a deeply personal reflection on the death of Pope Francis, highlighting his special relationship with Palestinians, especially Palestinian Christians. Isaac sees the departed Pope as not only a religious figure but also a symbol of global compassion and moral courage amid injustice.
Isaac refers to two moments in particular: the Pope’s contact with Christians in Gaza, and his visit to Bethlehem.
“Palestinian, and Palestinian Christians in particular, have lost a dear friend today,” he opens. “Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine. He conveyed true compassion to Palestinians, most notably to those in Gaza during this genocide. His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on calling the Christian community besieged in Gaza on a constant basis, even from his hospital.”
When Pope Francis visited Bethlehem some years ago, he visited the Separation Wall built by Israel and offered a prayer there. Isaac wrote about this in his book The Other Side of the Wall. He quotes himself:
“When Pope Francis stopped, touched the wall, and said a prayer, it was truly a monumental moment that made waves in world news. Pope Francis couldn’t help but notice the ugliness of this concrete structure at the heart of Bethlehem. This wall should make us all uncomfortable. To this discomfort, the Pope couldn’t help but react and reach out. By responding in this manner, the Pope touched more than the wall. He touched the ugliness of the occupation and war. He touched the depth of our suffering. With humility and weakness, he looked injustice in the eyes, and challenged it. …
