Benedict XVI received in audience, this morning, the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. During their talks, defined as "friendly" by a release from the Holy See, "they reviewed the condition of the Middle East. In particular, the commitment, partly through the aid of the international community, for reviving the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians was appreciated". They also mentioned "the domestic condition of Palestine, also with reference to the difficulties encountered by Catholics and the value of their contribution to that society". Later on, president Abbas met card. Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, accompanied by mgr. Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for relations with the states.
