HOLY SEE-ISRAEL: POPE-SHIMON PERES MEETING, EXPECTATIONS FOR THE WASHINGTON TALKS

May the renewal of contacts between Israelis and Palestinians, scheduled for today in Washington, “assist in reaching an agreement that is respectful of the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples and capable of bringing lasting peace to the Holy Land and to the entire region”. This is the hope expressed in a communiqué released today by the Holy See Press Office at the end of the meeting between Benedict XVI and Shimon Peres, president of Israel, which took place today in the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. During the audience, president Peres and the Pope reaffirmed their “condemnation of all forms of violence and the necessity of guaranteeing better conditions of life to all the peoples of the area”. “The discussions also touched on inter-religious dialogue – reads the Vatican statement - and an overview of the international situation”. At the end of the audience with the Holy Father, the Israeli president also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone accompanied by Mgr. Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States. During the “cordial discussions”, the pilgrimage of His Holiness to the Holy Land in 2009 was recalled.
“The discussions – reads the Holy See’s statement - also permitted the examination of the relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See and those of the State authorities with the local Catholic communities. In this regard, emphasis was given to the great significance of the presence of these communities in the Holy Land, and the contribution they make to the common good of society, also through Catholic schools. Finally, the results, thus far, of the bilateral working Commission, which has for many years been tasked with the drafting of an accord concerning economic matters, were noted while at the same time expressing the hope for the rapid conclusion of its work”.

© SIR - september, 2th 2010