The Palestinian President receives Apostolic Delegate Archbishop Franco

RAMALLAH – On Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received at the presidential seat in Ramallah, Archbishop Antonio Franco, Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, with his accompanying delegation.

Present were Saeb Eriqat, PLO Executive Committee member, Nimr Hammad, the President’s Political adviser, Ziyad El Bandak, the President’s adviser for Christian relations affairs.

At the meeting, the historical and distinguished relations that link Palestine and its people with the Holy See and the Catholic Church were discussed.

It was agreed to accelerate the conclusion of the agreement between the PLO and the Holy See. Some issues of mutual interest to both parties were also clarified.

The President requested the Apostolic Delegate to convey his greetings to Pope Benedict XVI.