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Pope asks Israel to help protect Christians in Mideast
By ICEJ News
12 May 2008
Pope Benedict XVI urged Israel on Monday to help the dwindling Christian community in the Middle East by assuring them of a secure future in the region. He also asked that Israel resolve long-standing problems with the Holy See over church land and taxes and to ease visa restrictions for Catholic clergy. Benedict raised the issues when he received Israel's new ambassador to the Holy See, Mordechai Levy, who told the pope that Israel is committed to strengthening the ancient Christian communities and wants to settle the outstanding issues with the Vatican. Benedict has made concern over the future of Middle East Christians a priority. Muslim intimidation, economic problems, as well as violence in the Holy Land and Iraq have led many native Christians to emigrate from the region. "I pray that, in consequence of the growing friendship between Israel and the Holy See, ways will be found of reassuring the Christian community that they have a secure future in the region," Benedict said.
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