Latin patriarch of Jerusalem condemns destruction of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier in Lebanon

The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem has condemned the destruction of a statue of Jesus by an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed "deep indignation" and "unreserved condemnation" for the desecration and destruction of a statue of Jesus by an Israeli soldier, Italy’s ANSA news agency reported on Monday.

Describing the act as a "grave affront to the Christian faith" and part of "other reported incidents of desecration of Christian symbols," he denounced it as "a worrying failure in moral and human formation" and reiterated Pope Leo's call for a "disarmed and disarming" peace.

Earlier on Tuesday, Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, again slammed the "shameful" act, saying that insulting religious symbols is a sign of weakness, not strength.

A photo circulating online of an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to smash a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon sparked international outrage and drew condemnation from religious and political figures.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued an apology Monday, calling it “grave and disgraceful,” and said an investigation had been opened to hold those responsible accountable.

The Israeli army said it views the incident with “utmost seriousness” and that the conduct does not reflect the values expected of its troops.