Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Castel Gandolfo (Agenzia Fides) - on Thursday 6 September in the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Shimon Peres, president of the State of Israel and Prince Saud Al Faisal, foreign minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In this regard the Holy See Press Office released the following communique:
"The cordial discussions enabled information to be exchanged concerning the recent renewal of contact between Israelis and Palestinians to restore peace the Holy Land, while respecting United Nations Resolutions and agreements signed to date. The hope was expressed that in the current international context, which seems particularly favourable with an international conference scheduled for next November, each of the parties involved will make every effort to respond to the expectations of their peoples, sorely tried by a crisis that has lasted for 60 years and that continues to inflict mourning and destruction. "Attention also tuned to relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See, and the hope was expressed for a rapid conclusion to the important negotiations currently underway, and for the creation of constant dialogue between the Israeli authorities and the local Christian communities with a view to the full participation of those communities in constructing the common good. President Peres also renewed the invitation to the Holy Father to visit the Holy Land."
“The Holy Father today received in audience Prince Saud Al Faisal, foreign minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. "In the course of the cordial meeting, various subjects of mutual interest were considered, principally: the defence of religious and moral values, the Middle East conflict, the political and religious situation in Saudi Arabia, the importance of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, and the contribution the faithful of various religions can make to promoting understanding between men and peoples. To this end, a hope was expressed for the implementation of joint initiatives in favour of peace.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 7/9/2007; Righe 27, Parole 373)
