Catholic leaders body condemns desecration of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier in Lebanon

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land on Monday condemned the desecration of a representation of Jesus Christ by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, the assembly expressed “profound indignation” and “unreserved condemnation” of the reported act, calling it a serious violation of Christian religious values.

“This act constitutes a grave affront to the Christian faith,” the statement said, adding that it follows other reported incidents involving the desecration of Christian symbols by Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

The assembly said the incident reflects a “disturbing failure in moral and human formation wherein even the most elementary reverence for the sacred and for the dignity of others has been gravely compromised.”

It called for “immediate and decisive disciplinary action,” as well as “a credible process of accountability, and clear assurances that such conduct will neither be tolerated nor repeated.”