Vatican calls hostility toward West Bank Christians “unacceptable”

The Vatican has voiced concern over the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, while emphasizing continued optimism that proposed peace efforts could still succeed.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, made the remarks during the official presentation of the latest Report on Religious Freedom in the World, compiled by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), at the Pontifical Augustinian Institute.

Speaking to journalists, Cardinal Parolin addressed the issue of the mistreatment of Christians in the West Bank, particularly in the village of Taybeh, by 'Israeli' settlers.

“This is certainly a very complex issue,” he said. “But we fail to understand why these Christians, who are simply living their normal lives, should be subjected to such hostility.”

He added, “To speak of persecution is slightly problematic, but certainly these are situations we cannot accept.”