Pope Francis receives the Prime Minister of Israel
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday received Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
of the State of Israel, in private audience.
According to a Vatican Press Office
communiqué, Pope Francis and Netanyahu spoke of the complex political and social situation
in the Middle East, focusing in particular on Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that
have recently been re-launched and expressing their hope that a just and long-lasting
solution, with respect for the rights of both parties, be reached as soon as possible. According
to the communiqué the project of a pilgrimage by the Holy Father to the Holy Land
was also mentioned. Other issues tackled by the two men included some questions regarding
relations between State Authorities and local Catholic communities and relations between
the State of Israel and the Holy See regarding which they expressed the hope for a
rapid conclusion of an Agreement which has been in preparation for some time.
The
Israeli Premiere presented the Pope with a book in Spanish on the Inquisition written
by his father who was an historian. He also presented him with a silver “hanukkhiah”,
a Jewish candle-holder with nine candleholders. On his part, the Pope presented Netanyahu
with a bronze bas-relief of Saint Paul. The cordial meeting took place in the Apostolic
Palace, and after his exchange with the Pope, President Netanyahu also met with Vatican
Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin and Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, Under-Secretary
for Relations with States.