Holy
See, State of Palestine sign Comprehensive Agreement
(Vatican
Radio) The Holy See and the State of Palestine signed a Comprehensive Agreement
on Friday in the Vatican. Some 15 years in the making, the Comprehensive
Agreement is the culmination of work that began on the basis of the Basic
Agreement signed by the parties on January 15th, 2000.
The
Comprehensive Agreement deals with essential aspects of the life and activity
of the Catholic Church in Palestine, including the freedom of the Church to
operate and of Christians to practice their faith and participate fully in
society, continuing their long tradition of active and essential contribution
to the common good.
In
remarks on the occasion, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States,
Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said, “In the complex reality of the Middle
East, where in some countries Christians have even suffered persecution, this
Agreement offers a good example of dialogue and cooperation, and I earnestly
hope that this may serve as a model for other Arab and Muslim majority
countries.” Archbishop Gallagher went on to emphasize the importance of the
chapter in the Agreement dedicated to freedom of religion and freedom of
conscience. “I once again reaffirm the Holy See’s particular solicitude for the
Middle East and for the Holy Land, and its joy at the Agreement that has been
reached," he said.
The
Minister of Foreign Affairs for the State of Palestine, Riad Malki, represented
his country at the signing. “This agreement,” said Malki, “consolidates and
improves the current state of affairs, in which the Roman Catholic Church
enjoys rights, privileges, immunities, and free access. It upholds the Church’s
standing as an important contributor to the lives of many Palestinians.”
Archbishop
Gallagher and Minister Malki each expressed the hope that the Comprehensive
Agreement be implemented without delay.
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