On May 7, the Centre for the Study of the Middle East of the Foundation for the Social Promotion of Culture organized the meeting ” Israel, the peace and the Church”.
The meeting was moderated by HE Mr. Zion Evrony, the Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See.
The Ambassador referred to the recent meeting between the President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres, and the Holy Father. During this meeting the President of Israel wanted to show his admiration for Pope Francisco – joining the feelings of the international community – for his modesty, his dedication to peace, to the poor and the interreligious dialogue.
Mr. Evrony has confirmed the invitation that the President Peres addressed to the Pope to go to the Holy Land, sensing that this is a “vital contribution to build confidence to achieve the peace.”
In regard to the relation between Israel and the Holy See, the ambassador noted that “This is a special relation. It is unique because the interests are at stake between the politicians from both states and the theological issues between the two religions. This is not an easy relationship, but today I can comment that – It lives its best stage. “
The Ambassador expressed his confidence in the ongoing negotiations between the Holy See and the State of Israel (concerning paragraph 2 of the 10th article of the Fundamental Agreement of 1993) about the resolution of property issues, taxation and other economic matters which are part of the church-state relation in Israel. Mr Evrony said that “Some issues need to be addressed and resolved, but they do not relate to matters of principle. In fact, they are essentially practical bureaucratic problems, which I’m sure will soon be solved.”