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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.
OP/AUDIENCE/AL-MALIKI
VIS 080725 (260)
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