Apostolic Nuncio to Israel talks of his hopes

(Vatican Radio) The Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, Archbishop Giuseppe Lanzarotto says the Holy See is hoping soon to reach a satisfactory conclusion to its ongoing talks with Israel on fiscal and property issues related to Catholic institutions in the Holy Land. Archbishop Lanzarotto also spoke of his hopes concerning the current visit to the Holy Land by a delegation of Catholic bishops from Europe and North America. He was interviewed by Vatican Radio's Veronica Scarisbrick who's travelling with the bishops.

Listen to the extended interview with the Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, Archbishop Giuseppe Lanzarotto:

Asked about the longstanding negotations between the Holy See and Israel to resolve outstanding fiscal and economic issues, the Apostolic Nuncio said the talks were continuing: "the dialogue is still open and we're hoping to reach soon a good conclusion."

Archbishop Lanzarotto was only appointed Nuncio to Israel last year but is familiar with the Middle East region as he served there 30 years ago. Referring to changes that have taken place during the past 3 decades, he expressed "regret" over Israel's building of the separation barrier saying it is also a barrier to peace and dialogue. "Erecting walls in every sense of the word, material and spiritual, doesn't help... violence and confrontation have never solved any problems, instead they have created, generated problems."

The Ambassador said he hoped that the annual pilgrimage to the Holy Land by a delegation of Catholic Bishops from Europe and North America will help to raise awareness throughout the world, helping people "to understand what's going on" (in the Holy Land). Archbishop Lanzarotto said in this context it was very important to support "the efforts of so many people of good will" and "there are so many of them," he added.