Hope that the negotiations on economic and tax issues between the Holy See and Israel "will soon reach a satisfactory conclusion" was expressed today by Benedict XVI, as he received the credentials of the new ambassador of Israel to the Holy See, Mordechay Lewy. As to the agreements reached so far and the negotiations under way with Israel, regarding in particular tax exemptions, the Pope expressed the wish that "they may be included in the Israeli legal system, so as to provide a lasting foundation for fruitful cooperation". Then, Benedict XVI reminded the new ambassador of the problem of visas for ecclesiastic staff. "I am sure he states you will do all you can to help solve these problems satisfactorily for all the parties involved. Only when these difficulties are overcome explained Benedict XVI can the Church freely carry out its religious, educations, moral and charitable mission in the land where it was born".” “
