Failure of Western leaders is in contrast with Pope Francis’ leadership on Palestine – Kearney

Sinn Féin’s Declan Kearney has praised the leadership shown by Pope Francis on Palestine and called for Western leaders to match his courage by acting against Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.

The South Antrim MLA said:

“Pope Francis will be remembered for his courage by standing up for peace and justice in the face of war, militarism and global tensions.

“As well as a courageous and respected spiritual leader he was, above all, a man of strong conviction and a true humanitarian who stood up for those most marginalised and vulnerable in the world. This principled leadership was to the fore in his pronouncements on Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian people.

“From the earliest days of Israel’s current war on Gaza, he consistently called for a permanent ceasefire, and spoke strongly against the ‘death, destruction and misery’ suffered by the Palestinian people as a result of Israel’s actions.

“Ever mindful of that suffering, he made nightly phone calls, even from his hospital bed, to Gaza’s Holy Family Church, whose church and school buildings provided sanctuary for more than 600 Christians and Muslims. Francis was resolute in his solidarity with the people of Gaza.

“Just hours before his passing, and during his final ‘Urbi et Mondi’ message ‘to the city and the world’ on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis appealed ‘once again for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza strip’, and urged the international community to take action and ‘come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace’.

“Western leaders should pay heed to the humanitarian leadership shown by the late Pope. Their failure to act to end the genocide in Gaza is in stark contrast with his courage and leadership in support of the Palestine people.”