Vatican Signals Diplomatic and Religious Intent With Jerusalem Cardinal Appointment

The Media Line: Vatican Signals Diplomatic and Religious Intent With Jerusalem Cardinal Appointment

By Nicole Jansezian

Vatican Signals Diplomatic and Religious Intent With Jerusalem Cardinal Appointment 

The appointment of Archbishop Pizzaballa as a cardinal underlines the Vatican’s desire to play a more active role in the ongoing diplomatic discussions concerning Jerusalem 

The appointment of the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem to the position of cardinal in the Catholic Church signals that the Holy See has its eyes on the city and the status of Christian minorities in the region.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, will be officially consecrated as a cardinal during a September 30 service at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Cardinal is the most senior position in the Catholic Church after the pope.

In a press conference on Thursday, Pizzaballa said the pope’s decision to appoint such a senior position in Jerusalem reflects the church’s prioritization of the Holy Land and gives a voice to the Christian population here.

The Holy See “is firmly convinced that whoever administers the City of Jerusalem should adhere to internationally guaranteed principles,” including equal rights for the three monotheistic religions, “the absolute guarantee of freedom of religion and of access to and worship in the Holy Places, and respect for the status quo regime, where it applies,” Gallagher said.

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