ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines the diplomatic attempts and protest regarding Israeli–Vatican negotiations over the Last Supper Room. It analyzes how the diplomatic processes have affected the Status Quo at the site. According to the "Status Quo" principle adopted by Israel in 1948 when it gained control of Mount Zion, the Last Supper Room is only open to visitors for private, silent prayer, while religious ceremonies are forbidden. The Last Supper Room is identified, according to Christian tradition, as the site of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. Regarding the current status of the Last Supper Room, since criticism by national-religious agents has arisen against Israel's acceptance of the Vatican's demands, Israel has frozen the steps for promoting the Catholics' interests in the Last Supper Room. It appears that the Israeli government has been dissuaded from promoting what the Vatican understood as an agreement between them in principle in the past.