Franciscan official says Hamas victory worries Holy Land Christians

Published: 2006-01-27

ROME (CNS) -- The victory of the militant Islamic group Hamas in Palestinian elections has worried the Christian community in the Holy Land, said a leading church official. Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, head of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, said the Hamas movement's willingness to use terrorism for political ends was one of the most troubling elements. He said he hoped governing would prove to be a moderating experience for Hamas leaders, who will now have to learn the art of compromise. Father Pizzaballa spoke at a press conference in Rome Jan. 27, two days after Hamas swept to a surprising parliamentary victory over the secular Fatah Party, which had controlled the Palestinian Authority. Father Pizzaballa said church leaders in the region were generally suspending judgment until they learned details of Hamas' governing program and heard the tone of its statements. "There are no reasons to be afraid, but there are reasons to be worried," Father Pizzaballa said.

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