Catholics distressed by Israel's muted response to pope's death

Catholic leaders slam Israel for 'unacceptable' conduct after death of Pope Francis

Tensions between Jerusalem and Vatican intensifying just ahead of pontiff's funeral, after the former chose not to send senior representative to the event

Catholics distressed by Israel's muted response to pope's death

'I can imagine there's dissatisfaction with the pope's criticism of the war in Gaza,' an adviser to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said. 'But criticism is legitimate. It has been heard from almost every country in the world'

In a letter sent, the Christian Forum in the Holy Land organization expressed "great concern and anger" over the decision to prevent the publication of expressions of mourning. They called the move "a serious offense against Christians in Israel, the world, and all of humanity." They also demanded an investigation into the events of the Holy Fire Sabbath at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre last Saturday, where they said police officers "violentl…