An appeal "to all the parties involved, to behave with prudence and moderation and look for solutions that will promote mutual respect and reconciliation". It was made this morning, with reference to "the current crisis in Kosovo", by Benedict XVI, as he received in the Vatican Vladeta Jankovic, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Holy See, who came to submit his credentials. "I know how deeply the Serbian populations have suffered during the recent conflicts said the Pope and I would like to express my sincere concern for them and for the other Balkan nations that have been affected by the sorrowful events of the last decade. The Holy See shares your deep wish that the peace achieved may bring lasting stability in the region". Hence, with reference to Kosovo, his appeal to "prudence and moderation" between the parties. In recalling that "many divisions between the peoples of Europe" have resulted from the "tragic loss of the unity of Christianity", the Pontiff expressed his satisfaction for "the progress made in the relations between the Orthodox and Catholic Christians" and his gratitude to the Serbian Church for hosting in 2006 the meeting of the Joint Committee for theological dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. (continued)
