Pope likely to wait on Jerusalem visit until after peace talks begin

c. 1996 Religion News Service VATICAN CITY (RNS)-Pope John Paul II is likely to wait until after peace talks begin next year on the status of Jerusalem before visiting the holy city, an Israeli government minister said Wednesday following a Vatican meeting with the pontiff.”From my understanding, it (the pope’s visit) is more likely to […]

c. 1996 Religion News Service

VATICAN CITY (RNS)-Pope John Paul II is likely to wait until after peace talks begin next year on the status of Jerusalem before visiting the holy city, an Israeli government minister said Wednesday following a Vatican meeting with the pontiff.”From my understanding, it (the pope’s visit) is more likely to take place in ’97 than in ’96,”Israel Religious Affairs Minister Shimon Shetreet told reporters.

Since 1993 the pope has had a standing invitation from the Israeli government to visit Jerusalem. He has spoken frequently of his strong desire to visit the city and other holy sites in the Middle East.


Some Palestinians have expressed concern that a papal visit prior to the beginning of negotiations over the status of Jerusalem would fortify Israel’s claim that political control of the city belongs to it alone.

In a speech to ambassadors to the Vatican last Saturday (Jan. 13), the pope said Jerusalem should be open”permanently”to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

The Jerusalem talks are intended to determine whether the city will remain Israel’s undivided capital or whether the Palestinians will gain some political control over the eastern portion of the city as they are demanding.

During the 20-minute meeting with Shetreet Wednesday (Jan. 17), the pope expressed concern for the rights of religious minorities living in Israel.

Shetreet said the pontiff also recommitted the church to reconciliation efforts with Jews, though there was no mention of a promised and long-awaited Vatican document condemning anti-Semitism and the Holocaust.

In an indication of the age-old hostility between Catholics and Jews, Shetreet asked the pope to return to Jerusalem a first-century menorah that was among the booty stolen by Emperor Titus from the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. with the sacking of the city.”There is evidence that it is in Rome,”said Shetreet, who did not elaborate.

According to tradition, the seven-branch candlestick, which Shetreet said weighs about 130 pounds, was made by Moses and placed in the tabernacle, or place of worship, as commanded by God on Mount Sinai.


In addition to the menorah, other items looted from the temple include the altar and silver trumpets. They are depicted in reliefs on the triumphal Arch of Titus in Rome, which was built in 81 A.D. by Emperor Domitian in honor of his brother Titus, and their father Vespasian, for the victories in Judea.

Shetreet said the return of the menorah would be a”gesture of politeness as well as justice.” A response from the Vatican was not immediately available.

MJP END HEILBRONNER

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