Pope urges two-state solution in meeting with Palestinian president

 (Photo: Unsplash/Cole Keister)

Pope Francis has used a private audience with the President of the Palestinian Authority to reaffirm his support for a two-state solution in the Holy Land. 

The Pope met President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican on Thursday. 

The Vatican said the talks had been "cordial" and acknowledged the "good relations" between the Holy See and the Palestinian Authority. 

During the closed-door meeting, the pair discussed "bilateral issues of mutual interest", as well as peace and the need to combat "all forms of extremism and fundamentalism".

The Pope also spoke of his desire to see "direct dialogue" resume between Israel and Palestine, the Vatican said.

"In addition, the need to promote human brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among the various faiths was acknowledged," the Vatican said.

"With regard to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, it was stressed that it is absolutely necessary to reactivate direct dialogue in order to achieve a two-state solution, also with the help of more vigorous effort on the part of the international community.

"Lastly, it was reiterated that Jerusalem must be recognised by all as a place of encounter and not of conflict, and that its status must preserve its identity and universal value as a Holy City for all three Abrahamic religions, also through a special internationally guaranteed status.

"Finally, attention turned to the urgency of working for peace, avoiding the use of weapons, and combating all forms of extremism and fundamentalism."

News
Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass sends a defining message of faith in a distracted world
Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass sends a defining message of faith in a distracted world

Standing beneath Michelangelo’s towering fresco of the Last Judgement, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered his first papal homily in the Sistine Chapel, setting a bold and unmistakable tone for his pontificate. His message: reclaim an authentic vision of Jesus Christ or risk living in a state of “practical atheism”.

China clamps down on foreign missionaries
China clamps down on foreign missionaries

China has imposed sweeping restrictions on Christian practices.

The Familiar Stranger – getting to know the Holy Spirit 
The Familiar Stranger – getting to know the Holy Spirit 

Christian Today speaks to Tyler Staton to hear about some common barriers to experiencing the Holy Spirit and his heart to help Christians break through them. 

Trump forms Religious Liberty Commission to address 'emerging threats' First Amendment rights
Trump forms Religious Liberty Commission to address 'emerging threats' First Amendment rights

In a new executive action, President Donald Trump has established a new Religious Liberty Commission to bolster protections against “emerging threats” to the US’s longstanding tradition of faith-based freedoms.