The Director of the Holy See Press Centre, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ provided an update about the second day of meetings which are currently taking place at the Vatican between the Apostolic Nuncios from the Middle East and various Superiors from the related Dicasteries.
The meetings between some of the Pontifical Representatives and the Superiors of the competent Dicasteries continue at the Vatican in these days. At the request of the Holy Father, these meetings are taking place in order to analyse together the presence of Christians in the Middle East. During this morning's meeting, His Excellency, the Secretary for Relations with States made a general presentation on the political situation in the Middle East and principles underlying the actions which have been taken by the Holy See, recognizing the global repercussions of developments which take place in the region. Peace must be sought through a regional and comprehensive solution which does not overlook any of the interests of the parties, through dialogue and not through a unilateral decision imposed by force. Referring to the phenomenon of terrorism, the Eminent Secretary reiterated the importance of combatting the underlying fundamentalism. An important role should be played by religious leaders, favouring inter-religious dialogue and in particular the collaboration of all sides for the good of society. In its relationship with countries that are mainly Muslim, the Holy See, which is following the political situation in the Middle East has always presented as a fundamental question the protection and the respect of Christians and of other minority groups as fully-recognized citizens, and of human rights, in particular that of religious freedom.
Next, the Eminent Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and the Apostolic Delegate for Jerusalem and Palestine presented a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and on the presence of Christians in the Holy Land. Central to the stabilization of the Middle East and to peace in the region is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In fact, after many years, this conflict continues unabated, with the grave regional and global consequence which it implies. In this regard, hopes of peace were opened by the Holy Father's pilgrimage to the Holy Land and by the successive meeting of prayer held in the Vatican. The recent conflict in Gaza recalls the fact that the situation is grave and difficult, but diplomatic efforts must be renewed toward a just and lasting solution which respects the rights of both parties to the conflict.
Following a moment of dialogue, the Eminent Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity presented his report concerning the relationship of the Catholic Church with other Churches and Christian denominations in the Middle East.
In the afternoon, there were two reports on the role of the Church before the drama of refugees and the promotion of justice and peace, presented respectively by the Eminent Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants and by the Eminent President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
Following a prolonged dialogue, today's session concluded with Vespers and a fraternal meal shared at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
The final day, tomorrow, will include the celebration of a Mass in the Pauline Chapel within the Apostolic Palace, presided by the Eminent Secretary of State, followed by an exchange of ideas in view of the conclusions and operational guidelines, the result of these days of study and reflection.
Briefing prepared by Father Federico Lombardi, SJ
Director of the Holy See Press Centre
The meetings between some of the Pontifical Representatives and the Superiors of the competent Dicasteries continue at the Vatican in these days. At the request of the Holy Father, these meetings are taking place in order to analyse together the presence of Christians in the Middle East. During this morning's meeting, His Excellency, the Secretary for Relations with States made a general presentation on the political situation in the Middle East and principles underlying the actions which have been taken by the Holy See, recognizing the global repercussions of developments which take place in the region. Peace must be sought through a regional and comprehensive solution which does not overlook any of the interests of the parties, through dialogue and not through a unilateral decision imposed by force. Referring to the phenomenon of terrorism, the Eminent Secretary reiterated the importance of combatting the underlying fundamentalism. An important role should be played by religious leaders, favouring inter-religious dialogue and in particular the collaboration of all sides for the good of society. In its relationship with countries that are mainly Muslim, the Holy See, which is following the political situation in the Middle East has always presented as a fundamental question the protection and the respect of Christians and of other minority groups as fully-recognized citizens, and of human rights, in particular that of religious freedom.
Next, the Eminent Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and the Apostolic Delegate for Jerusalem and Palestine presented a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and on the presence of Christians in the Holy Land. Central to the stabilization of the Middle East and to peace in the region is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In fact, after many years, this conflict continues unabated, with the grave regional and global consequence which it implies. In this regard, hopes of peace were opened by the Holy Father's pilgrimage to the Holy Land and by the successive meeting of prayer held in the Vatican. The recent conflict in Gaza recalls the fact that the situation is grave and difficult, but diplomatic efforts must be renewed toward a just and lasting solution which respects the rights of both parties to the conflict.
Following a moment of dialogue, the Eminent Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity presented his report concerning the relationship of the Catholic Church with other Churches and Christian denominations in the Middle East.
In the afternoon, there were two reports on the role of the Church before the drama of refugees and the promotion of justice and peace, presented respectively by the Eminent Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants and by the Eminent President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
Following a prolonged dialogue, today's session concluded with Vespers and a fraternal meal shared at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
The final day, tomorrow, will include the celebration of a Mass in the Pauline Chapel within the Apostolic Palace, presided by the Eminent Secretary of State, followed by an exchange of ideas in view of the conclusions and operational guidelines, the result of these days of study and reflection.
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