Perhaps not such a puzzle if he is a Liberation theologist...
Via NY Post:
Pope Francis’ decision to give formal recognition to a Palestinian state is puzzling at best.
Some conservative Catholics — most prominently scholar and papal biographer George Weigel — have given a wide berth to the pope’s views on income inequality, climate change and how best to integrate gay and divorced Catholics into the Church’s ministry, even as the left has gleefully embraced the pontiff’s rhetoric.
Francis’ latest foray into controversy is harder to explain.
Unlike Francis’ positions on the poor, which Weigel avers are rooted in the pope’s pastoral history and mission, the decision on Palestinian statehood is purely political — and, as such, is open to criticism.Jonathan Tobin, writing online in Commentary magazine, notes: “For all his good will, the pope is mistaken to think that giving the Palestinians such recognition will advance the peace process.”