1) He broke with entrenched antisemitism.
He emerged from a Church historically tainted by anti-Jewish doctrine and action. Post-Nostra Aetate, he embraced the concept of a lasting, still valid covenant between God and the Jewish people. There's no credible evidence to suggest he clung to the prejudices of his upbringing or his predecessors. He deserves credit for that fundamental shift.
2) He was a profoundly compassionate leader.
Francis prioritized the marginalized, challenged clerical arrogance, and insisted the Church engage with the complexities of human existence. He championed a Church focused on alleviating suffering, not protecting its own power. This naturally clashed with those who demanded judgment, selective compassion, and political endorsements.
- His empathy for the vulnerable, rather than the powerful, led to perceived slights by certain pro-Israel voices. This was not anti-Israel sentiment, but a reflection of his consistent focus on those in need.
- He actively engaged with Jewish communities, acknowledged historical Jewish suffering, and vehemently condemned antisemitism.
- He affirmed Israel's right to self-defense and met with hostage families, demonstrating a balanced approach.
- Critically, he recognized Judaism as a living, vibrant faith—a rare and significant acknowledgment for a Pope. He might be only the second or third Pope in history who did this.
3) Outrage over the Jesus in the keffiyeh display was overblown.
It was a temporary, minor part of the Vatican's broader Christmas presentation, tucked away inside a church. It was not the main nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. It was on display for less than 4 days. The fact it was briefly shown and then removed without fanfare suggests it wasn't intended as a major statement in the first place.
To immediately label it antisemitic seems like a leap. Instead, it struck me as a potent visual metaphor – a stark reminder of Christian teachings about empathy for the oppressed. Wrapping the infant Jesus, who Christians believe came for the marginalized, in a keffiyeh could be interpreted as a powerful call to confront uncomfortable questions about compassion and suffering.
While the execution might not resonate with everyone, the underlying message – a plea for universal compassion, particularly for those suffering – has a strong theological basis. Dismissing it solely as antisemitic or an endorsement of Hamas ignores a more obvious interpretation, one much more in keeping with the entire personality and career of Pope Francis.
