The Vatican has officially recognized the existence of the Palestinian state.
The Holy See officials agreed a treaty on Wednesday, which makes clear, the Church now considers Palestine an independent country, with its own rights.
The move has left Israel feeling ‘disappointed’.
Premier Christian Radio reports:
The move had been expected since a decision by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to recognize a Palestinian state was welcomed by the Vatican. Vatican spokesman, Revd Federico Lombardi, said: “Yes, it’s a recognition that the state exists”.
A spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry said the country was “disappointed” by the Vatican’s change in policy.
The Associated Press reports the ministry as having said: “This move does not promote the peace process and distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct and bilateral negotiations.
“Israel will study the agreement and will consider its steps accordingly.”
It comes just days before Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visits Pope Francis at the Vatican and two Arabic nuns are canonized.