[Cronos]

thanks. The Patriarch speaks for himself. This is not a 'Vatican statement' and doesn't become one unless it is officially pronounced by the bishop of Rome, so the headline in this article is wrong.

secondly, the Patriarch -- if he means that the nation of the Jews is not in the Bible, he is wrong. If he means that it's existence is not because of the Bible then -- wait for it -- in a way isn't he correct? teh Jews' RIGHT to the land it is on is divinely appointed, not just because it was written in the Bible. The fact that it is in the Bible is a follow-up to the fact that it was given to the people of Israel by God.

[SJackson]

The Patriarch speaks for himself. This is not a 'Vatican statement'

Yes, that's an important distinction.

[PapaBear3625]

Note the article: "Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal, named by Pope Benedict to represent the Vatican in the Jewish State".

"Patriarch" is not a Catholic title. It is an Orthodox title. This guy is not Catholic. He just has the job of relaying Vatican concerns to Israel. I think he will shortly no longer have the job.

[Lukasz]

According to the Jewish interpretation of Bible, their nation have the right to the land of Israel.
Catholic interpretation is different. New Testament replaced old one, Jews are no longer chosen people (Christ established church, term "chosen people" have more universal meaning, "followers of Christ"). Their biblical rights to the land of Israel are no longer valid, they are no longer loyal servants of God. From biblical perspective, todays Jews have no more rights to Israel than any other nation.
Of course, today this is purely political issue and there are other reasons to let them stay in Israel. Their case would gain more support among Catholics if they would start to treat their own Christians better. I think that Patriarch foremost is upset about this issue.