Pope meets Palestinian leader, supports separate state
June 03, 2011
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Pope Benedict XVI met on June 3 with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. During their discussion the Pontiff underlined the need for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Vatican announced. Such a solution, the Vatican statement added, would include “the attainment of the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations for an independent state.” Pope Benedict also mentioned his hope that Palestinian officials and their Vatican counterparts will soon conclude an agreement establishing the legal rights of the Church in the Palestinian territories. He mentioned concerns about the status of Christians in the Middle East and in the Palestinian territories particularly.
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Posted by: wolfdavef3415 -
Jun. 04, 2011 9:58 PM ET USA
...sure about which way it goes. This individual is a very reasonable and intelligent man. He thinks a lot about his family. I would find it a matter of conscience to lump him in with the militants. He has strong feelings about the Israelis, understandably so since his family has brushes with them constantly. I also understand why the Israelis would be hesitant to allow a Palestinian state right next door without cessation of hostilities first.
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Posted by: wolfdavef3415 -
Jun. 04, 2011 9:52 PM ET USA
The Palestinians do deserve to have a state of their own, free from the rule of a self-proclaimed Jewish state. I think that a people who have had entire generations raised in a state of constant war would enjoy the fruits of peace if they could earn them. That said, I understand Lucius' point. Is there a genuine interest in peace? Or is the 'wipe Israel off the map' the prevailing theme in Palestine? I know a Palestinian man, he taught economics during my coursework, and I can say that I am...
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Posted by: Defender -
Jun. 04, 2011 8:14 PM ET USA
A nation created by terrorism? Let's not forget the Grand Mufti in WWII, that the PLO gained fame with Munich and hijackings and has managed to lull the West into believing they've changed. Don't forget the occupation of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem a few years ago by terrorists and their continued "prompting" of Christians to leave their occupied areas. For some reason, the Church has always seemed to have blinders on regarding this question.
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Posted by: Lucius49 -
Jun. 03, 2011 5:45 PM ET USA
The danger here is that such a State would be a pawn for Islamic terrorists and in the sphere of Iran. What good with an agreement concerning the Church be with that crowd? They persecute the Church. eg.Egypt, Iran Sudan, Pakistan, Iraq. The list goes on and on. This is also not in the best interests of the US to have another radicalized Islamic State.
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Posted by: -
Jun. 03, 2011 2:28 PM ET USA
"Pope Benedict also mentioned his hope that Palestinian officials and their Vatican counterparts will soon conclude an agreement establishing the legal rights of the Church in the Palestinian territories." My guess is that this agreement is closer to fruition than the corresponding one with Israel.
