Melkite Patriarch calls for recognition of Palestinian state
September 14, 2012
During a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI on September 14 in Beirut, Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregory III Laham said that “recognition of a Palestinian state is the most previous good that the Arab world can obtain in all its confessions, Christian and Muslim.”
In an advance copy of his remarks at the meeting, the Melkite Patriarch suggested that the Vatican should grant diplomatic recognition to the Palestinian state. That text was withdrawn, reportedly because Church officials thought it would put undue pressure on the Pontiff during his visit in the Middle East.
Recognition for Palestine, the Melkite leader said, would “prepare the way for a true Arab Spring” and create the conditions of peace in the Holy Land.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
