More on the Vatican and Israel

Vatican denounces Iran remarks

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican on Friday condemned as "unacceptable" statements denying the right of Israel to exist, an apparent reference to Iran.

Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls also denounced recent Palestinian attacks against Israel and Israeli retaliation, and reaffirmed the Vatican's view that both Israel and the Palestinians had the right to live "in peace, security, each one in their own sovereign state."

Navarro-Valls condemned "certain statements, particularly serious and unacceptable, in which the right to the existence of the state of Israel was denied."

He did not mention Iran by name. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was widely condemned after saying Wednesday that "Israel must be wiped off the map."

Navarro-Valls also condemned this week's "terrorist attack" in the central Israeli town of Hadera, in which five Israelis were killed, as well as the "successive retaliation," by Israel.

Article.

The piece goes on to note the diplomatic tiff that developed between the Holy See and Israel during the summer, and how that was resolved. It also summarizes Papa's recent remarks on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which focused on women and human trafficking:

Benedict said women more often are emigrating autonomously for financial reasons and not just crossing borders to join their husbands or family members, as was the case for many of them in the past.

When women do find work, it is often low-salaried domestic or service job, the pope said. He said they deserved fair treatment "out of respect for their femininity in recognition of their equal rights."

Gasp! "Out of respect for their femininity." I'm sure if the NOW membership heard this, they would start rolling around on the floor, writhing in pain. The idea that men should treat women with "chivalry" no doubt strikes them as denigrating to women. Of course the Holy Father follows this up with "in recognition of their equal rights" so maybe that would prove to be a good tranquilizer ;)