VATICAN (CWNews.com) - A diplomatic accord between the Holy See and the Palestinian Authority, signed in Rome on February 15, recognizes not only the juridical status of the Catholic Church on Palestinian territory, but also a shared desire for an end to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and a resolution for the status of Jerusalem. "An equitable solution to the question of Jerusalem, based on international resolutions, is fundamental to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," the two parties agreed in the preamble to the new diplomatic accord. The document went on to condemn "unilateral decisions" which would "modify the special character" of the Holy City.
The Vatican and the Palestinian Authority agreed to support the cause of "a special status for Jerusalem," which would provide international guarantees for "freedom of religion and of conscience for everyone," equality before the law for the three monotheistic religions that revere the city, free access to all of Jerusalem's sacred sites, and a legal recognition of "the universal significance" of the city's religious and cultural heritage. The new document also underlines the commitment of the Holy See to "the legitimate and inalienable national rights of and aspirations of the Palestinian people." The document points out that international law, supplemented by UN resolutions and by the existing terms of peace agreements between Israel and Palestine, supports the cause of Palestinian autonomy.
The accord also establishes the legal rights of the Catholic faithful in Palestinian territory, and stresses that "all Palestinian citizens are equal" in that society, regardless of religious affiliation. The agreement commits Church leaders and Palestinian officials to work together "against all threat to human life and human dignity."
Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update