This is how he explained it in the book “Hope never disappoints. Pilgrims to a better world” edited by a journalist Hernan Reyes Alkaid (Edizioni Piemme), which in Spain was published by publications Messenger.

The meeting took place in Apostolic Palace at 10:40 local time, lasted about 30 minutes and was part of Abbas’s official visit to Italy.

🎥FEATURES | Pope Francis met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican. They discussed the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the role of the Catholic Church in the region and the hope for the return of pilgrims to the Holy Land. pic.twitter.com/MeOkBmigje

— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) December 12, 2024

During his stay in Rome, the Palestinian president is also scheduled to meet with the Italian president. Sergio Mattarella and prime minister Georgia Meloni. It’s about Abbas’s fifth visit to the Vatican. last time in November 2021. Moreover, in previous years He met with Pope Benedict XVI.

After meetings with the Secretary of State The Vatican reiterated its condemnation of “all forms of terrorism.” and this was emphasized: “the importance of achieving a two-state solution only through dialogue and diplomacyensuring that Jerusalemprotected by special law, maybe a meeting place and friendship between the three great monotheistic religions“.

Finally, the Vatican expressed the hope that Anniversary 2025 “It may bring the return of pilgrims to the Holy Land, which so desires peace.”

Gift exchange

After the meeting, during the usual exchange of gifts Dad gave Abbas A bronze sculpture entitled “The World is a Fragile Flower”, accompanied by some of his essays and documents.

For my part, Abbas presented Francis with a painting commemorating his historic visit to the Holy Land in 2014. a year later The Holy See officially recognized Palestine as a state.what marked A milestone in relations between the Church and Palestine.

Except, the Palestinian leader gave him an image where they appear together and the icon Saint Porphyry, patron saint of Gazawho gave it to him Patriarch Theophilus.

Francis I, who will celebrate their I will be 88 years old on December 17 next year. repeatedly expressed his deep concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip and in other areas devastated by military conflicts.

That’s right, Pope This Wednesday he noted to a wide audience that he was following the news about Advance of Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham it ended with the president escaping Bashar al Assad and his family to Russia.

“I follow what is happening in Syria.at this delicate moment in its history,” Francisco said in Paul VI Hall of the Vatican, where he led the catechism.

I hope that a political solution will be reached that, without further conflict and disagreement, will responsibly contribute to the stability and unity of the country.

Then he dedicated thought to the Syrian population, which includes a wide a community of over 6.2 million refugees, living mainly in Turkey (more than 3 million), Lebanon, Germany and Jordan, according to UNHCR data as of 2024.

“I pray for intercession of the Virgin Mary so he The Syrian people will be able to experience peace and security in their beloved land.” explained the Pope, who then spoke about the need unity of religions in this time of sudden change. “Let people of different religions live together in friendship and mutual respect for the benefit of this nation, which has suffered from so many years of war,” he stressed.

(Europe Press)