JERUSALEM, JAN. 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The superior of the Custody of the Holy Land expressed concern for the Christian communities given the outright victory of the Hamas Islamic movement in the Palestinian elections.
Franciscan Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa's concern was reported by the SIR agency of the Italian episcopate. It quoted him as saying that "an era has ended, there is concern, but the door does not have to be closed immediately."
"We wait to see what Hamas intends to do, how it organizes itself," said Father Pizzaballa. "We must be open but vigilant, without giving in at all to violence."
The vast majority of the Christians in the Holy Land are Palestinian.
"There is much apprehension," the Franciscan said. "Hamas is a party of very clear Muslim identity. We'll see if good sense, the ability to govern, and moderation prevail, or if the intention is to continue the struggle as has been the case to date."
He told Vatican Radio today: "Hamas, even if it does not want it, will have to come to a negotiation with Israel. It is a reality that it cannot ignore, at least from the technical point of view. Water, light, electricity, all these things depend on Israel, so that whoever administers public affairs must, by force, talk with Israel."
"Also for us, as Christians, many questions are posed," Father Pizzaballa added. "The Christians are Palestinian citizens in everything and for everything, but it is clear that they also claim their identity of Christians, which must be maintained in everything and for everything.
"I hope common sense will prevail. Opposition is one thing, government another."
ZE06012706 - 2006-01-27
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-15122?l=english
Hamas Victory Stirs Franciscan's Concern
"There Is Much Apprehension," Says Father Pizzaballa
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