Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bethlehem (Agenzia Fides) – On the morning of May 13, the Holy Father Benedict XVI traveled to the Presidential Palace of the Palestinian Authority in Bethlehem, crossing the border between Israel and the Autonomous Palestinian Territories. In the square in front of the Presidential Palace, there was a Welcoming Ceremony held. The Holy Father was received by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, alias Abu Mazen, as well as the political, civil, and religious authorities.
“My pilgrimage to the lands of the Bible would not be complete without a visit to Bethlehem, the City of David and the birthplace of Jesus Christ,” the Pope said. “Nor could I come to the Holy Land without accepting the kind invitation of President Abbas to visit these Territories and to greet the Palestinian people. I know how much you have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the turmoil that has afflicted this land for decades. My heart goes out to all the families who have been left homeless...I keep all of you in my daily prayers, and I earnestly beg the Almighty for peace, a just and lasting peace, in the Palestinian Territories and throughout the region.”
Addressing the President of the Palestinian Authority, the Holy Father said: “the Holy See supports the right of your people to a sovereign Palestinian homeland in the land of your forefathers, secure and at peace with its neighbors, within internationally recognized borders. Even if at present that goal seems far from being realized, I urge you and all your people to keep alive the flame of hope.” Benedict XVI then asked “all the parties to this long-standing conflict to put aside whatever grievances and divisions still stand in the way of reconciliation,” highlighting that “Just and peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the Middle East can only be achieved through a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, in which the rights and dignity of all are acknowledged and upheld.” Lastly, he asked all, especially the international community, to work towards a solution.
Expressing his hope that “the serious concerns involving security in Israel and the Palestinian Territories will soon be allayed sufficiently to allow greater freedom of movement” and that “ “reconstruction work can proceed swiftly” with the support of the international community, the Pope concluded his address with an appeal to the youth: “do not allow the loss of life and the destruction that you have witnessed to arouse bitterness or resentment in your hearts. Have the courage to resist any temptation you may feel to resort to acts of violence or terrorism. Instead, let what you have experienced renew your determination to build peace. Let it fill you with a deep desire to make a lasting contribution to the future of Palestine, so that it can take its rightful place on the world stage.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 14/5/2009)
