Pope calls for a Palestinian homeland

Source: LAT

Pope calls for a Palestinian homeland

Pope Benedict XVI put himself at odds with Israel's new government today by calling for an independent Palestinian homeland. "I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties," he said.

By Richard Boudreaux

3:20 AM PDT, May 11, 2009

Reporting from Jerusalem — Pope Benedict XVI, arriving in Israel on a pilgrimage across the Holy Land, put himself at odds with the country's new government today by calling for an independent Palestinian homeland alongside the Jewish state.

"I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties, so that both peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognized borders," Benedict said in a speech minutes after landing at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport.

The Roman Catholic leader did not mention the word "state," something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pointedly resisted promising the Palestinians. But the pope's reference to two homelands within international borders was a clear assertion of the Holy See's longstanding position in favor of a Palestinian state.

By re-affirming that position in Netanyahu's presence, at a welcoming ceremony televised in Israel and across the world, Benedict added to pressure from the United States and other allies on the Israeli leader to endorse a two-state solution as the goal of talks with the Palestinians. Netanyahu is expected to hear a similar message from President Obama when he visits Washington next week.

"The eyes of the world are upon the people of this region as they struggle to achieve a just and lasting solution to the conflicts that have caused so much suffering," the 82-year-old pontiff said, reading his remarks in English on the red-carpeted airport tarmac. "The hopes of countless men, women and children for a more secure and stable future depend on the outcome of negotiations for peace between Israelis and Palestinians."


Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fg-pope-israel11-2009may11,0,1655778,print.story

it's time for the pontiff to spend more time with Andrew Card's children.

I am for a two state solution, but that's beside the point.


Is creation of nations politics?


Is the Pope a religious leader?

Did he not say the other day that the two should not mix (or words to that effect)? Or was it only that politicians should not mess in religion, but religious leaders messing in politics is great.

I'm so confused!

even more bizarre and ironic than it already is.