Only dialogue can make aspirations for peace a reality
After visiting the Dheisheh Refugee Camp
on Wednesday, 22 March, the Holy Father paid a courtesy call on Chairman
Yasser Arafat and then went to Bethlehem's heliport for brief departure
ceremonies. Here is the text of the Pope's remarks before leaving.
Your Excellency,
I am happy to have this opportunity to thank you again, and to return the
visits which you have made to me in the Vatican. I thank you for your warm
welcome. This is an important moment in the
search for peace in this region. Much has been achieved, but there is
still much to be done if all the peoples of the region are to live in
harmony based upon respect for the rights and dignity of all.
Our meeting today makes clear the commitment of the Catholic Church to
work unceasingly for peace in the Middle East as a partner of all peoples.
The Church understands the aspirations of the different peoples and
insists that dialogue is the only way to make those aspirations a reality
rather than a dream. I am thankful for the recognition you have given me
here today. I know that you too are convinced that only patient and
courageous dialogue will open the way to the future which your people
rightly desire.
Entrusting this great challenge to Almighty God, I invoke upon you, upon
your family and the Palestinian people the abundant blessings of heaven.
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