Receives Audience Of President Mahmoud Abbas, Pope Francis Affirms Two-State Solution To Palestine-Israel Conflict

JAKARTA - Pope Francis received a private audience of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, discussing the need for direct dialogue between Palestine and Israel to achieve a two-state solution.

The Holy See Press Office announced on Thursday that Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met in private audiences at the Vatican on the same day.

According to the press release, their discussions were 'friendly' and emphasized the good relations between the State of Palestine and the Holy See.

Pope Francis and President Abbas spoke about the need to promote human brotherhood, peaceful coexistence among different religions, as well as the goals of a two-state solution in the Holy Land.

"Concerning the peace process between Israel and Palestine, it is emphasized that it is imperative to reactivate direct dialogue to reach a two-state solution, also with the help of stronger efforts from the international community," the statement read, citing Vatican News November 5.

Pope Francis and President Abbas also noted, "Jerusalem must be recognized by all as a place of encounter and not a place of conflict, and its status must maintain its identity and universal value as the Holy City for all three Abrahamic religions, also through its internationally guaranteed status".

In addition, the two leaders also spoke of "the urgency of working for peace, avoiding the use of weapons, and fighting all forms of extremism and fundamentalism".

After meeting Pope Francis, President Abbas met separately with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with State.