The Vatican City, 4 November 2021 (TDI): President Mahmoud Abbas today met Pope Francis in the Vatican. It came at the end of a three-day visit to Rome.
The meeting was held in the context of bilateral consultation and coordination towards a peaceful two-state solution and international efforts to establish security and stability in the region. It served as an opportunity to meet Pope Francis and listen to his vision.
The agenda covered the latest developments and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. As well, Israeli aggressive practices, notably unabated colonial settlement construction, demolitions, extra-judicial killings, forced displacement of Palestinians in addition to many unilateral actions by Israel.
President Abbas conveyed to the Pontiff the greetings of the heads of churches of Jerusalem, their wishes for health and success along with the demand that the Pontiff prays for the city and peace in the Holy Land, WAFA reported.
He also informed him of the importance of jointly confronting attempts to confiscate Palestinian property and church property, including fraudulent sales, particularly in the Old City of Jerusalem.
In that way, President Abbas explained to the Pope the efforts of the State of Palestine to strengthen the Christian presence n Palestine. Moreover, it wants to address the challenges posed by Israel in this regard.
Following talks with the Pope, President Abbas met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Secretary for Relations with the Vatican States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. The official meetings covered the strengthening of the bilateral relations based on the comprehensive agreement.
