Israel visits the Vatican

Yesterday in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency, Mister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, who subsequently went on to meet with the Secretary of State, His Excellency, Archbishop Pietro Parolin and the Under-secretary for Relations with States, Monsignor Antoine Camilleri.

During the colloquial discussions, attention was paid to the complex political and social situation in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the reinstatement of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, expressing hope that a lasting solution respecting the rights of both parties might be reached as soon as possible.

The Holy Father indicated his plans for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  In addition, various questions were considered regarding the relations between the State Authorities and the local Catholic communities, as well as between the State of Israel and the Holy See, in hopes that the Agreement which has been in various states of preparation for some time might be concluded in the near future.