Reuven Rivlin was received in an audience in the Vatican today, during which, Francis said “the challenge is to unite”. The two also discussed the role of religious leaders and the problem faced by Christian schools.
A communiqué published by the Holy See Press Office stated that “the need and urgency of promoting a climate of trust between Israelis and Palestinians was highlighted” during the audience “alongside the resumption of direct negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreement”. Pope Francis received Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in an audience in the Apostolic Palace this morning.
The meeting lasted half an hour, after which, the Israeli head of state met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Vatican’s “foreign minister”, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
“During the cordial discussions the Parties focused on the political and social situation in the Middle East, affected by several conflicts, with special attention to the condition of Christians and other minority groups. In this respect the importance of interreligious dialogue was recognised, along with the responsibility of religious leaders in promoting reconciliation and peace.”
These words express a clear concern regarding the growing phenomenon of Jewish extremism. Jewish extremists have been responsible for attacks also against Christian targets. As Israel’s President, Rivlin, - who belongs to Likud, the same party Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu belongs to - issued a very clear statement with regard to this, after the killing of a Palestinian boy: “The climate created guaranteed lenience” to extremists. “What is it in the public atmosphere,” Rivlin asked, “which allows extremism and extremists to walk in confidence, in broad daylight?” In recent days, the President visited the Sanctuary of Tagba, which was damaged in an arson attack in June.
The issue of negotiations with the Palestinians was touched on during Rivlin’s meeting with Francis and his collaborators. “The need and urgency of promoting a climate of trust between Israelis and Palestinians was highlighted, alongside the resumption of direct negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreement respecting the legitimate aspirations of the two Populations, as a fundamental contribution to peace and stability in the Region.”
Finally, open questions were discussed. “Various issues were considered regarding the relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See, and between the state authorities and local Catholic communities. The Parties expressed their hope that the bilateral Agreement currently being drafted be concluded promptly, and that an adequate solution be found for various matters of common interest, including the situation of Christian schools in the country.”
As is known, Christian schools in Israel - which have a 'recognised but unofficial' status – have seen cuts in state funding halve in recent years. Last week, Rivlin held a meeting with representatives of Christians schools in order to try to resolve the crisis. On that occasion, the President recalled the important role they play in the country.
At the end of the audience, greetings were exchanged with the delegation and gifts were presented. “Divisions exist, but the challenge is to unite”, Pope Francis said, presenting the President a bronze medallion depicting a rock that is broken in two, with an olive branch in the middle, keeping the two bits together. Bergoglio read out the Italian inscription on the medallion: “Go in search of what unites, overcome that which divides”.
Rivlin, who was joined by his wife, gave Pope Francis a replica basalt stone with an inscription in Aramaic dating back to the 9th-8th century BC. The original is kept in the Israel Museum, with a quote from verse 6 of Psalm 122, which contains the oldest reference to David’s dynasty outside the Bible. The President bid farewell to the Pope saying: “See you in Israel”.
