(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, meeting in the Vatican Saturday, expressed their hopes for a resumption of peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel and for "courageous decisions" for peace, with international support.
A Vatican statement described the talks as “cordial,” and said the two sides “expressed great satisfaction with the agreement reached on the text of a comprehensive agreement between the Parties concerning essential aspects of the life and activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine, which will be signed in the near future. "
Transcript of Meeting from RomeReports
"Good morning. How are you?”
"Good.”
"I am very glad to see you again.”
"Me too. You look younger. "
"Thank you.”
This affectionate greeting marked the start of the meeting between Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
They held a private 20 minute meeting and discussed the recent agreement in which the Vatican officially recognized the Palestinian state. Also covered was the peace process with Israel, the conflicts ravaging the Middle East, and the need to fight terrorism by promoting interfaith dialogue.
Then Abbas, who was accompanied by 11 people, presented his delegation to Pope Francis.
"May the greeting of the Lord be with you.”
The two also exchanged gifts. Abbas gave the Pope relics from the two Palestinian nuns who will be canonized Sunday morning. Using a translator, the mayor of Bethlehem described the gifts to Pope Francis.
"It's the rosary that Mary of Jesus Crucified used every day.”
Pope Francis gave Abbas a copy of 'Evangelii Gaudium' and an Angel of Peace medallion.
"I thought of you. You are an angel of peace.”
Tomorrow, Abbas will attend the canonization of the nuns Mariam Baouardy, also known as Mary of Jesus Crucified, and Maria Alfonsina Danil Ghattas. They will become the first Palestinian saints.
And this is how their meeting concluded.
"See you tomorrow, God willing. We will always be together because our mission is the same.”
"Pray for me.”
After his meeting with the Pope, Abbas then spoke with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Transcript of Meeting from RomeReports
Mahmoud Abbas will attend Sunday’s canonization Mass for two Palestinian Blessed, for which he thanked Pope Francis.
Below, we publish a working translation of the Vatican statement:
Today, 16 May 2015, the Holy Father Francis received in audience Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.
President Abbas will attend tomorrow’s canonisation of the two Palestinian nuns, for which he thanked the Holy Father.
During the cordial discussions, great satisfaction was expressed for the accord reached on the text of a comprehensive Agreement between the Parties on various essential aspects of the life and the activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine, to be signed in the near future.
Attention then turned to the peace process with Israel, and the hope was expressed that direct negotiations between the Parties be resumed in order to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict.
To this end the wish was reiterated that, with the support of the international Community, Israelis and Palestinians may take with determination courageous decisions to promote peace. Finally, with reference to the conflicts that afflict the Middle East, and in reaffirming the importance of combating terrorism, the need for interreligious dialogue was underlined.
Comments