Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jerusalem (Fides Service) - Promote good relations with the people of Israel, support Christians in the Holy Land were two questions brought to international attention by Franciscan Fr Artemio Vitores, Order of Friars Minor, Vicar of the Holy Land Custodian in Jerusalem on the occasion of Israeli president Moshe Katsav’s visit to the Vatican.
Fr. Vitores said: “Pope Benedict XVI is doing very well. His actions speak clearly. Christians must continue to rediscover their roots in Judaism and build ever better relations with the Jews our elder brothers. President Katsav’s visit to the Vatican is part of the framework of good relations between Israel and the Holy See. This theme will be fundamental. The climate of good relations is felt also in the Holy Land with increasing efforts to reach better mutual understanding between Jews and Christians which will bring reciprocal spiritual, social benefits and also economic with a flow of pilgrimages”.
The Franciscan continued: “However we must speak of the situation in Bethlehem. Recently the Israeli authorities increased control at Jerusalem border check points creating difficulties for the local people, the friars and for pilgrims. Not forgetting the open question of the Shrine of the Upper Room. A solution appeared to be in sight but now seems less sure”.
“On this occasion - said Fr Vitores - we Christians in the Holy Land have a message for the world, the world authorities, Christians all over the world; “help us keep Bethlehem where Christians are ever fewer. In 1965 Christians were the majority, today we are less than 12%. In recent years impoverished by economic, social and religious difficulties at least 3,000 Christians have left Bethlehem in search of better prospects. There is a danger that Christians may disappear from Bethlehem altogether. We Franciscans do our best but the situation is serious! We want all Christians, all believers to know that conditions here are getting worse every day. Bethlehem is where Christ was born, the place of the Incarnation, a fundamental mystery of our faith. Bethlehem is our heart, the heart of all Christians. Help us to save this Holy Place!”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/11/2005 righe 29 parole 298)
