Vatican meeting on Middle East call for protection of minorities

Oct. 03, 2014

Vatican meeting on Middle East call for protection of minorities

Displaced people on the run

On the second day of meetings, participants heard from Vatican “foreign minister” Mamberti and the Nuncio to Israel, Giuseppe Lanzarotto, amongst others

MARCO TOSATTI
ROME

اقتباس :: Francis was present at yesterday’s first set of meetings on the crisis in the Middle East and the dramatic situation Christians are facing there. The meetings, which are Francis’ initiative, are being held in the Vatican. Today marked the second day of meetings, attended by some of the Pope’s representatives in the region, plus heads of various dicasteries and Holy See offices. Fr. Federico Lombardi issued an official statement announcing that the Vatican Secretary for relations with States, the Pope’s “foreign minister”, in other words, the head of the second section of the Secretariat of State, Mgr. Dominique Mamberti, gave a general overview of the current political situation in the Middle East and the principles behind the Holy See’s actions in this field, emphasizing the global impact of the conflict.
In his speech, the Secretary for Relations with States stressed that peace should be sought by means of a “regional” and inclusive solution which does not neglect the interests of any of the parties involved. The crisis should be resolved through dialogue and not by taking unilateral decisions that are imposed by force. This is the principle that usually guides Holy See diplomacy but his words are especially significant in light of the current situation, in which there is an all too real threat of armed intervention and arbitrary redistribution of lands and borders.
The crucial and of course concerning new factor, in the sudden emergence of the Islamic State, an incredibly dangerous phenomenon. The Holy See’s statement says that in referring to this terrorism phenomenon, Mamberti highlighted the importance of fighting the fundamentalist attitudes that lie beneath. He reiterated the important role religious leaders have to play, facilitating interreligious dialogue and especially the cooperation of all for the good of society. “The Holy See,” the statement says, “in following the political situation in the Middle East, and more generally in its relations with countries with a Muslim majority, considers to be fundamental issues the protection and respect for Christians and other religious minorities as fully-entitled citizens, and human rights, especially that of religious freedom.” Islamic State terrorists continue to violate these rights without any hesitation whatsoever.
The other big issue dealt with during today’s meeting, was the situation in the Holy Land. The Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic delegate for Jerusalem and Palestine, Giuseppe Lazzarotto, took the floor, giving a speech on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Christian presence in the Holy Land. A solution to the Israeli-Palestinian is essential in order to restore stability in the Middle East and peace in the region.
Many years have passed and the question remains unresolved, with very serious consequences for the region and the rest of the world. The Nuncio recalled that the Pope Francis visited the Holy Land and the historic prayer meeting with Shimon Peres and Abu Mazen in the Vatican gardens which followed, rekindled people’s hopes for peace. But the recent Gaza conflict shows that the situation is still serious and difficult, Mamberti said. Diplomatic efforts need to be strengthened in order to find a just and lasting solution that respects the rights of both sides.
A discussion followed, after which the Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, Mgr. Brian Farrell took the floor and addressed the Catholic Church’s relations with other Churches and Christian denominations in the Middle East.
The Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants and the Prefect of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace will be giving speeches on the role of the Church in the refugee crisis and the promotion of justice and peace, respectively. The day will conclude with the Vespers and a fraternal dinner in St. Martha’s House. The series of meetings conclude tomorrow with a mass celebration in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, presided over by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. After this, participants will exchange ideas before the final conclusions and practical instructions that emerged during the meetings are presented.