Latin Patriarch visits Israel President

The visit of the Latin Patriarch together with a small delegation that included Bishop William Shomali and a handful of priests from the Latin Patriarchate took place in order that the Patriarch could present the official album documenting the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the Holy Land in May 2009.

The visit was conducted in a relaxed atmosphere and the President stated that relations between Israel and the Church were excellent. He expressed concern about the small number of Christians living in Jerusalem.

The Patriarch pointed out that Jerusalem should be open to the faithful of all three religions and that freedom of access to the Holy Sites must be guaranteed for all. The Patriarch also presented condolences on the death of Sonia Peres, the President’s spouse.