VATICAN: POPE RECEIVES SHIMON PERES, PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL

VATICAN CITY, 2 SEP 2010 (VIS REPORT) - The Holy See Press Office today released the following English-language communique:"Today in the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, Benedict XVI received in audience Shimon Peres, president of Israel, who also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
"During the cordial discussions, the pilgrimage of His Holiness to the Holy Land in May 2009 was recalled.
"Concerning the renewal of direct contacts between Israelis and Palestinians, scheduled for today in Washington, U.S.A., the hope was expressed that this may assist in reaching an agreement that is respectful of the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples and capable of bringing lasting peace to the Holy Land and to the entire region. The condemnation of all forms of violence and the necessity of guaranteeing better conditions of life to all the peoples of the area were reaffirmed. The discussions also touched on inter-religious dialogue and an overview of the international situation.
"The discussions also permitted the examination of the relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See and those of the State authorities with the local Catholic communities. In this regard, emphasis was given to the great significance of the presence of these communities in the Holy Land, and the contribution they make to the common good of society, also through Catholic schools. Finally, the results, thus far, of the bilateral working Commission, which has for many years been tasked with the drafting of an accord concerning economic matters, were noted while at the same time expressing the hope for the rapid conclusion of its work".

AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, 2 SEP 2010 (VIS REPORT) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences six prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, archbishop of Sao Salvador da Bahia, accompanied by Auxilary Bishops Josafa Menezes da Silva, Joao Carlos Petrini and Gregorio Paixao Neto O.S.B.
- Bishop Paulo Romeu Dantas Bastos of Alagoinhas.
- Bishop Joao Nilton dos Santos Souza Amargosa.
This evening he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, accompanied by Archbishop Manuel Monteiro de Castro, secretary of the same congregation.