Pope Meets Iraqi Leader

The story below was released today by the VIS Service (Vatican Press Office).



It may be seen as just fluff (and certainly the story doesn't say much about the discussions) but the Vatican has a history of being an impartial go-between amongst warring factions so there may be more to this story than first appears.



HOLY FATHER RECEIVES IRAQI PRIME MINISTER



VATICAN CITY, 25 JUL 2008 (VIS) - The following communique was released this
morning by the Holy See Press Office:



"Today in the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki, prime minister of the Republic of Iraq. The prime minister had earlier met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.



"The discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, provided an opportunity to examine a number of fundamental aspects of the situation in Iraq, also taking into account the regional situation. Particular attention was given to the question of the many Iraqi refugees, both inside and outside the country, who are in need of assistance, also with a view to their hoped-for return.



"Renewed condemnation was expressed for the violence that continues to hit various parts of the country almost daily, not sparing the Christian communities which strongly feel the need for greater security.



"The hope was expressed that Iraq may definitively discover the road to peace and development through dialogue and co-operation among all ethnic and religious groups, including minorities, which, while respecting their respective identities and in a spirit of reconciliation and of searching for the common good, together undertake the moral and civil reconstruction of the country. In this context, the importance of inter-religious dialogue was reiterated, as a way to religious understanding and civil coexistence. The prime minister invited the Holy Father to visit Iraq.