(Vatican Radio) This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace Pope Benedict XVI received
in audience Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority. Mr. Abbas subsequently
went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., accompanied
by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
In a
press release Monday, the Holy See’s Press Office said “the cordial discussions made
reference to the recent Resolution approved by the General Assembly of the United
Nations by which Palestine was recognised as a Non-member Observer State of the aforementioned
Organisation. It is hoped that this initiative will encourage the commitment of the
international community to finding a fair and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, which may be reached only by resuming negotiations between the Parties,
in good faith and according due respect to the rights of both."
The Press Office
said the Pope and Mr. Abbas “then turned to the situation in the Region, troubled
by numerous conflicts, in the hope that the courage for reconciliation and peace will
be found. Finally, mention was made of the contribution Christian communities can
offer to the common good in the Palestinian territories and throughout the Middle
East.”