After the private talks, which lasted over 30 minutes, President Abbas met with the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
A statement released by the Vatican Press Office after the meetings said, “[The meeting] reiterated the condemnation of all forms of terrorism and the importance of reaching a two-State solution only through dialogue and diplomacy was emphasised.”
“[The solution must] ensure that Jerusalem is protected by a special status and can be a place of encounter and friendship between the three great monotheistic religions,” the statement continued.
The statement also said that “during the cordial talks, which took place at the Secretariat of State, reference was made to the good bilateral relations, highlighting the important contribution of the Catholic Church to Palestinian society”.
“[The church has made a significant contribution] in assisting in the very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza, where it is hoped that there will be a ceasefire and the release of all hostages as soon as possible.
“Finally, the hope was expressed that the Jubilee of 2025 may lead to the return of pilgrims in the Holy Land, which longs so much for peace,” it concluded.
Abbas thanked the pontiff in a statement “for his positions in support of achieving a just peace in Palestine based on the two-State solution, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, access to aid in the Strip and the provision of hospitals, schools and places of worship that can have all the necessary protection,” according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Abbas is also scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday.
ANSA
