Is Pope Francis helping Mideast peace? Your Say

Letter to the editor:

Bravo to good Pope Francis for having the Vatican formally recognize Palestine as a state. The Vatican follows more than 130 countries that have recognized the Palestinian state.

Sadly, the two countries that really count, the United States and, of course, the Palestinians' oppressor, Israel, still say, "No way." A huge portion of the U.S. Congress is terrified of and supported by the Israel lobby, and won't lift a finger to do the right thing.

The pope's support for Palestine is going to be a tough symbolic challenge to Israel's system of Palestinian apartheid that remains one of the world's most shameful human tragedies. But with Pope Francis on their side, the Palestinians have a new glimmer of hope.

Walt Zlotow; Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

This pope consistently reveals himself to be politically and theologically far left. If he wants to seek to regain some of the credibility the Roman Catholic Church has lost in recent decades, he would be well served to stay out of politics and stop pandering to the far left.

— Blake McDaniel

Peace for Palestinians and Israelis depends on the establishment of a Palestinian state. Vatican recognition is another step toward justice.

— Steve Schuh

The Israelis say the Vatican formally recognizing the state of Palestine will harm the peace talks. However, their own prime minister has said that he would never allow a Palestinian state under his watch.

Bless the pope for standing up for peace despite the noise from those who would support continued oppression.

— Kurt Ohrenberger