Pope meets Israeli president Shimon Peres

Pope Benedict XVI today received the President of Israel Shimon Peres. The two men spoke about of the relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See and those of the state authorities with the local Catholic communities.


This included a discussion of the ongoing work of the bilateral working Commission on the drafting of an Accord concerning economic matters.

They also spoke about the renewal of direct contacts between Israelis and Palestinians this week in Washington.

In a communiqué released by the Holy See Press Office, the hope was expressed that this may 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.

The condemnation of all forms of violence and the necessity of guaranteeing better conditions of life to all the peoples of the area were reaffirmed. The discussions also touched on Interreligious Dialogue and an overview of the international situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are meeting today at the US State Department in Washington.

We spoke to Franciscan Father David-Maria Jaeger, an expert on the Holy Land, about the significance of this meeting.

(September 2, 2010)