Title: Israel Protests to the Vatican Over Former Beirut Bishop's Comments

Israel has lodged a complaint with the Vatican regarding remarks made by the former Bishop of Beirut for the Greek Catholics, Cyril Salim Bustros, during the recent bishops' assembly at the Vatican. Bustros stated, "With the coming of Christ, the promised land has become the Kingdom. Thus, one cannot rely on the Bible – the Old Testament – to justify the existence of Israel as the promised land; this matter pertains to politics rather than religion." The Vatican responded to the objection by affirming that each bishop has the freedom to express his opinions within the church.