Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Meets with Pope Francis

Zenit ^ | December 2, 2013

[NYer]

Vatican City, December 02, 2013 (Zenit.org) Staff | 142 hits

Pope Francis met this morning with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, increasing hopes for a future visit by the Pontiff to the Holy Land.

The two leaders discussed the “complex political and social situation in the Middle East.” A Vatican press release stated that both the Holy Father and the Prime Minister expressed their hope that a lasting peaceful solution between Israel and Palestine.

Various questions were considered regarding the "relations between the State Authorities and the local Catholic communities, as well as between the State of Israel and the Holy See, in the hope that the Agreement which has been in preparation for some time may be concluded forthwith,” the communique stated.

During the exchange of gifts, the Israeli Prime Minister gave the Holy Father written by his late father entitled: “The Origins of the Inquisition in Spain in the 15th Century.” The book defends the theory that Catholics protected Jewish people during this period.

Sources present during the exchange said Prime Minister Netanyahu signed the book with the words “To His Holiness Pope Francis, the great guardian of our common heritage.” Netanyahu also gave the Holy Father a silver menorah, inscribed with the words: “To His Holiness Francis, with great esteem.” For his part, the Pope gave the Israeli Prime Minister a bronze statue of St. Paul.  

Although there has been no official confirmation on a possible visit by the Pope to the Holy Land, the Holy See confirmed that “plans for a pilgrimage” were discussed. Both Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have also extended invitations to Pope Francis during their respective visits to the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

Upon leaving, Sara Netanyahu told the Holy Father that they look forward to a future visit by the Holy Father. However, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists that as of now, no official dates for the visit will be announced today.

After his meeting with the Holy Father, the Israeli Prime Minister met with Archbishop Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, who was accompanied by Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Msgr. Antoine Camilleri.

[NYer]

Ping!

[Salvation]

Glad to see this happening.

[Telepathic Intruder]

"The Origins of the Inquisition in Spain in the 15th Century"

It was a backlash in response to Muslim invasions and conquests of Spain. But no one talks about what the Muslims did, just the Spanish. I'm not trying to justify it, I'm trying to put it into proper perspective.

[RinaseaofDs]

The fight always starts with the second punch. St. Bernard came back and begged the king of France to help protect the pilgrims going to Jerusalem, due to the heavy number of casualties those pilgrimages had taken.

There’s a powerpoint floating around out there that makes a damning case against Islam in general. As in, ‘in the interest of world peace it should be eradicated’, case.

[Mrs. Don-o]

"During the exchange of gifts, the Israeli Prime Minister gave the Holy Father written by his late father entitled: “The Origins of the Inquisition in Spain in the 15th Century.” The book defends the theory that Catholics protected Jewish people during this period."

Eyebrows jumped up to hairline.

One more of the billion-plus things I never heard of that I'd dearly love to learn more about.

[lee martell]

Maybe the European Union will see about getting rid of Islam and Sharia when they really feel big and bad enough to do some real ETHICS Cleansing. If they decide to blame poor financial growth, rock bottom test scores, stratospheric unemployment, Incest-ruined bloodlines, loss of tourism, University Brain drains on those troublesome terrorist, you just never know. I didn’t think they go after the cigarettes as aggressively, even the roll-up smokes in France, under heavy taxation and restriction!

[Bogie]

Yes, everyone needs to work on the project of peace or evil wins.

[Bogie]

Right you are.

[smvoice]

Even if it’s a 7-year “project of peace” that makes all involved sigh with relief and exclaim “peace and safety” ?

[jjotto]

hehe

That’s not quite an accurate description of Benzion Netanyahu’s book.

Here’s the NYT story about the death and legacy of Bibi’s father:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/01/world/middleeast/benzion-netanyahu-dies-at-102.html?_r=0

[Bogie]

There is probably a lot that the Catholic church can do to help with the situation. Security provided by Israel may be needed in some cases. Anyhow it won't be anything like Syria. If treating other people in a civilized way becomes the norm, over time, in say a generation, and an act of violence is as shocking to everyone as any criminal act is, then stability can be achieved.

[Jack Hydrazine]

The late rabbi Kaduri said that the Messiah won’t show until after Ariel Sharon dies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhNJF16RgZo

[SevenofNine]

OH Man this going be good

[SunkenCiv]

A Vatican press release stated that both the Holy Father and the Prime Minister expressed their hope that a lasting peaceful solution between Israel and Palestine... During the exchange of gifts, the Israeli Prime Minister gave the Holy Father written by his late father entitled: “The Origins of the Inquisition in Spain in the 15th Century.” The book defends the theory that Catholics protected Jewish people during this period... the Pope gave the Israeli Prime Minister a bronze statue of St. Paul.

Thanks NYer.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Wwo. Thanks for that.