Pope strongly backs Palestinian state, end to Gaza embargo
May 13, 2009
During a May 13 visit to Bethlehem, Pope Benedict XVI strongly underlined the Vatican's support for an independent Palestinian state, and called for an end to the Israeli embargo of Gaza, while pleading with young Palestinians to eschew violence and terrorism.
As he arrived in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday morning, the Pope said that he wanted to express "my solidarity with the people who have lost so much." He went on to say: "I know how much you have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the turmoil that has afflicted this land for decades." He promised his daily prayers for a just and lasting peace in the region. He would later add his special remembrance for the people of Gaza, and "my prayers that the embargo will soon be lifted."
"The Holy See supports the right of your people to a sovereign Palestinian homeland in the land of your forefathers, secure and at peace with its neighbours, within internationally recognised borders," the Holy Father told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The Pope cited the message that his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, had preached: that "there can be no peace without justice, no justice without forgiveness." He issued an "appeal to the many young people throughout the Palestinian territories today: do not allow the loss of life and the destruction that you have witnessed to arouse bitterness or resentment in your hearts. Have the courage to resist any temptation you may feel to resort to acts of violence or terrorism." Pope Benedict visited the Aida refugee camp outside Bethlehem, and celebrated Mass in Manger Square. During his homily he reflected on the conflict that continues to tear at Bethlehem, contrasting it with the prophecy from the day's Scripture readings: "How distant seems that Kingdom of wide dominion and peace, security, justice and integrity which the Prophet Isaiah heralded!" he said. In light of that conflict, and the sufferings the Christian minority has endured, the Pope acknowledged: "Here in Bethlehem, a special perseverance is asked of Christ’s disciples." Nevertheless he said that a courageous Christian witness can bring hope to the Holy Land.
And this is what the message of Bethlehem calls us to be: witnesses of the triumph of God’s love over the hatred, selfishness, fear and resentment which cripple human relationships and create division where brothers should dwell in unity, destruction where men should be building, despair where hope should flourish!
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Further information:
- Holy See supports Palestinians' right to a homeland (VIS)
- Text of Pope Benedict's Arrival Speech in Palestinian Territories (Vatican Radio)
- Text of Pope Benedict XVI'S Homily at Mass in Manger Square (Vatican Radio)
- Be bridges of dialogue to build a culture of peace (VIS)
- Text of Pope Benedict's Speech at Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem (Vatican Radio)
- Pope in Bethlehem calls for Palestinian homeland (Ynet)
- In Bethlehem, Pope Urges Lifting of Gaza Embargo (New York Times)
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