Pope's Remarks on Terrorism and Hostages Draw Criticism and Support

Jewish groups have criticized Pope Francis and called for clarification after he made comments that they interpreted as accusing both Hamas and Israel of "terrorism". The Council of the Assembly of Italian Rabbis accused the pope of publicly accusing both sides of terrorism and criticized unnamed "Church leaders" for not condemning the Hamas attack. The American Jewish Committee (AJC) thanked the pope for meeting with hostage families but asked for clarification on his description of the Israel-Hamas war as "terrorism". The Simon Wiesenthal Center called on the pope to remember that the suffering stems from the actions of Hamas. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi defended the pope, stating that he understands the motivations of the Israeli government.