“An appeal for peace addressed to the international community and to local people so that they may commit themselves more seriously to ensure justice for everyone. Here people are tired - Israelis, Palestinians, Christians. We need a fair solution.” Commenting this morning on the Pope’s Apostolic voyage to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories (8-15 May), the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, on the margins of a meeting with a delegation of journalists and priests led by the BREVITET of Brescia, told the SIR that it was his hope that “the Pope’s voyage could lead, first of all, to the definition of the fiscal agreement between Israel and the Holy See, but also to an agreement on the granting of visas to religious people, especially to those with Arab origins, as well as to the granting of working visas for those people who are coming from abroad to work in our facilities, namely in schools and hospitals. We need staff to carry out our mission.” “Israel is showing good will, the meetings of the bilateral Commission have intensified over the last period, and we believe in a positive development,” said Twal without mentioning deadlines. “The Pope’s visit is a cake. And Israelis, Palestinians and Christians are all looking forward to receiving one or more pieces. One thing is certain. Benedict XVI will come home to strengthen the Christians”, he concluded.
© SIR