RAMALLAH, Wednesday, July 13, 2022 – President Mahmoud Abbas briefed Pope Francis last night during a telephone call on the latest Israeli measures targeting Christian and Muslim holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, as well as recent developments in the Palestinian territories.

President Abbas informed the Pontiff of the ongoing attacks against religious sites, particularly at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Al-Aqsa Mosque, alongside the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem and the destruction of their properties. He also highlighted the daily killings of Palestinians, including the case of Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

The President inquired about the health of Pope Francis and wished him continued well-being.

Pope Francis thanked President Abbas for his concern, assuring him that he was in good health. He stressed the importance of achieving peace and stability in the Holy Land, particularly in Jerusalem, expressing his deep concern over the Israeli measures there and his shared pain for the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The two also discussed the latest developments ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to the region and his planned meeting with President Abbas in Bethlehem on Friday.

 

K.F.

M.K.