Only dialogue can make aspirations for peace a reality
After visiting the Dheisheh
Refugee Camp on Wednesday, 22 March, the Holy Father paid a
courtesy call on Chairman Yasser Arafat and then went to
Bethlehem's heliport for brief departure ceremonies. Here is the
text of the Pope's remarks before leaving.
Your Excellency,
I am happy to have this opportunity to thank you again, and to return the visits which you have
made to me in the Vatican. I thank you for your warm welcome. This is an important moment in the
search for peace in this region. Much has been achieved, but there is still much to be done if all the
peoples of the region are to live in harmony based upon respect for the rights and dignity of all.
Our meeting today makes clear the commitment of the Catholic Church to work unceasingly for
peace in the Middle East as a partner of all peoples. The Church understands the aspirations of the
different peoples and insists that dialogue is the only way to make those aspirations a reality rather
than a dream. I am thankful for the recognition you have given me here today. I know that you too
are convinced that only patient and courageous dialogue will open the way to the future which your
people rightly desire.
Entrusting this great challenge to Almighty God, I invoke upon you, upon your family and the
Palestinian people the abundant blessings of heaven.
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