Pope Francis on Thursday met with
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican.
After the private talks, which lasted over 30 minutes, President
Abbas met with the Holy See's Secretary of State, Cardinal
Pietro Parolin, and the Secretary for Relations with States,
Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
A statement released by the Vatican Press Office after the
meetings said that, "reiterating the condemnation of all forms
of terrorism, the importance of reaching the solution for the
two states only through dialogue and diplomacy was emphasized,
ensuring that Jerusalem, protected by a special status, can be a
place of encounter and friendship between the three great
monotheistic religions".
The statement also said that, "during the cordial talks, which
took place at the Secretariat of State, reference was made to
the good bilateral relations, highlighting the important
contribution of the Catholic Church to Palestinian society, also
in assisting in the very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza,
where it is hoped that there will be a ceasefire and the release
of all hostages as soon as possible".
"Finally, the hope was expressed that the Jubilee of 2025 may
lead to the return of pilgrims in the Holy Land, which longs so
much for peace", it concluded.
Abbas thanked the pontiff in a statement "for his positions in
support of achieving a just peace in Palestine based on the two
state solution, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, access to aid in
the Strip and the provision of hospitals, schools and places of
worship that can have all the necessary protection", according
to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Abbas is also scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio
Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday.
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