Vatican recognizes Palestinian state
May 13, 2015
The Holy See has formally recognized a Palestinian state.
The Vatican announced on May 13 that talks had been successfully concluded to complete a treaty between the Holy See and the “State of Palestine.” Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, confirmed that the announcement was “a recognition that the state exists.”
The Vatican had reached a “basic agreement” with Palestinian authorities in 2000, and a Palestinian envoy was recognized in the Vatican diplomatic corps. But in previous statements the Vatican had referred to the “Palestinian Authority.” The May 13 announcement was the first formal reference to a Palestinian state.
In extending formal recognition for a Palestinian state, the Vatican is following the lead of the UN, which extended formal recognition in 2012. At that time, the Vatican applauded the move.
The conclusion of a diplomatic pact—which now must be ratified by both parties—comes just before a visit to the Vatican by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. A private meeting between the Palestinian leader and Pope Francis is scheduled for May 16, the same day on which the Pope will preside at the canonization of two Palestinian saints.
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Further information:
- Joint Statement of the Bilateral Commission of the Holy See and the State of Palestine at the end of the Plenary Meeting (VIS)
- Vatican Recognizes Palestine (AP)
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Posted by: Baturro54 -
May. 14, 2015 6:12 PM ET USA
With all due respect to the Vatican, this will be the right thing to do only after such "Palestinian state" recognizes the right of Israel to exist... This is not a time in history to support enemies of Israel.
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Posted by: Leopardi -
May. 14, 2015 7:18 AM ET USA
Well, Gil125 makes a good (and humorous) point; This is perhaps an 'exercise in irrelevance' or maybe 'gratuitous controversy' but I also agree with Minnesota Mary: It is the right thing to do.
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
May. 13, 2015 8:28 PM ET USA
This is the right thing to do. After all, Israel got diplomatic status from the Vatican over 20 years ago, and the deal is still not finalized because the Vatican hasn't gotten what it requested in exchange for giving Israel diplomatic status. Lot's of delays and cancellations on finalizing the details for two decades by guess who? They got what the wanted so why the hurry to complete the deal?
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Posted by: Gil125 -
May. 13, 2015 4:42 PM ET USA
Now, let's see. They will send their nuncio to...? Maybe the nuncio in Riyadh will give them advice on it. Or they could ask the Archbishop of Mecca.
