Jerusalem Patriarch Slams Israeli Soldier Over Statue Damage in Lebanon
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed what he called “deep indignation” and “unreserved condemnation” over the incident, which involved the alleged desecration of a Christian religious symbol. He characterized the act as a “grave affront to the Christian faith” and linked it to other reported cases of damage to Christian symbols. He also referred to it as “a worrying failure in moral and human formation” and reiterated a call for a “disarmed and disarming” peace.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also criticized the incident, calling it “shameful” and stating that disrespecting religious symbols reflects weakness rather than strength.
The controversy emerged after a widely circulated image appeared to show an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to destroy a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, prompting strong reactions from religious and political figures across different countries.
In response, Israel’s foreign minister issued an apology, describing the act as “grave and disgraceful,” and confirmed that an investigation had been launched to determine responsibility.
Separately, the Israeli military stated that it treats the incident with “utmost seriousness” and emphasized that such behavior does not align with the standards expected of its personnel.
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