Bush visits Pope: Middle East, Africa and religious freedom
Vatican City (AsiaNews) –The “worrying situation in Iraq”, but in a more general sense, issues regarding the entire Middle East and the “critical conditions in which the Christian communities find themselves” there, as well as Africa and its development, Darfur and Latin America, and “an examination of contemporary moral and religious questions”.
These were the themes which Benedict XVI and United States President George Bush during the leaders first meeting with the Pope, during “cordial talks” which lasted circa 30 minutes.
During the meeting, according to a Vatican Press Statement, “the main themes of the international political situation were considered. On the question of the Middle East, particular attention was given to the Israeli-Palestinian question, to Lebanon, to the worrying situation in Iraq, and to the critical conditions being experienced by the Christian communities”.
AsiaNews sources tell that the Vatican has expressed its complete opposition to the idea of a Christian enclave (or ‘Assyrian’) to guarantee the security of Christians in Iraq.
For its part, “the Holy See, hope was once again expressed in a "regional" and "negotiated" solution to the conflicts and crises afflicting the region”.
Finally,” contemporary moral and religious issues” were examined by the Pope and Bush, among them those concerning human rights and religious freedom, the defence and promotion of life, marriage and the family, the education of the young and sustainable development”.
Following the talks, the US presidents also met with Card. Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State accompanied by Msgr. Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.
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