Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI received President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (above) at the Vatican this morning.

According to a statement from the Vatican after the meeting: “A central issue of the cordial conversations was the troubled situation in the Holy Land. Particular stress was laid on the urgent need to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one capable of ensuring respect for the rights of all and, therefore, the attainment of the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations for an independent State.”

The situation of the Christian communities in the Palestinian Territories and the Middle East in general, and their ‘irreplaceable contribution to the building up of society’ was also discussed at the meeting between the Holy Father and President Abbas.

Mr Abbas also met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.