CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 6, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Israeli President Shimon Peres visited Benedict XVI and the two discussed hopes for an end to the 60 years of conflict that has plagued the Holy Land.
Peres later described his 35-minute audience with the Pope today at Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence south of Rome, as full of "friendship and understanding."
The president successively met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of state, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states, and Oded Ben-Hur, Israeli ambassador to the Holy See.
The Vatican press office released a statement saying that 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 statement added that "hope was expressed" that both the Israelis and the Palestinians will make an effort during an international conference next November "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."
Benedict XVI and Peres also discussed Israeli-Holy See relations, reported the Vatican. Hope was expressed "for a rapid conclusion to the important negotiations currently under way, 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," stated the communiqué.
More optimistic
Peres later met with reporters to discuss his meeting with the Holy Father. In the English-language press conference, he spoke first about the continued conflict with Palestinians.
Of this he said: "I am a little bit more optimistic than I was before because I can see a sign of light at the end of the tunnel between us and the Palestinians." He said he has great hope that the meeting in November will be fruitful.
This optimism, he remarked, is different from the optimism felt back in 1947 with the birth of the state of Israel before the experience of seven wars and two intifadas.
Peres called his meeting with the Pope a "fascinating discussion" and revealed that the two also discussed ecological issues.
"[E]cology is become a burning issue," the president said, "as ecology does not have frontiers. It calls for coordination."
It "has become a world issue, political issue, economic one, and we are trying to create a coordination, because pollution doesn't have borders and poisoned water doesn't call for a visa," he added.
Vatican negotiations
Regarding the Fundamental Agreement with the Vatican, which was signed 13 years ago while Peres was foreign minister of Israel, he said that that 80% of the issues have been resolved, including some of the most difficult ones.
"I do believe that this year, we may conclude the remaining outstanding issues, and then we will have to put it in writing," Peres said. He affirmed that these results are due to the hard work done over the last few months.
Peres continued: "The moving moment in my meeting with the Pope was when I extended an invitation to the Pope to visit Israel.
"I told him that it is my wish, and I am only looking for a way and a date. I myself was very moved by his reaction."
Speaking of the effects of a papal visit, Peres said, "I told him that religion can add greatly to the peace process."
Spiritual
Peres remarked that much of his meeting with the Holy Father was not political, but focused on spiritual realities.
"I am grateful to the Pope," Peres added, "for really an outstanding position, which was spiritual, not just political."
The president, explaining the common ground between Israel and the Pope, said: "The Ten Commandments are the basic document of our time, as [they were] throughout history. The Ten Commandments are not more than 169 words, but hold the weight of history. It holds the support of the moral code."
Peres concluded, "So while I was there for a short while, it was enough to enjoy plenty of friendship and understanding."
ZE07090610 - 2007-09-06