Holy See Backs Mideast Peace Conference in Rome

Holy See Backs Mideast Peace Conference in Rome

VATICAN CITY, JULY 25, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican secretary of state hopes that a peace conference on the Middle East, scheduled for Wednesday in Rome, will help to quickly end the crisis.

In statements Monday to Italian public television, Cardinal Angelo Sodano clarified that in regard to the conflict, "the Holy See tries to be 'super partes,' as it has the universal mission to unite the whole of humanity."

"The path of contemporary civilization is not that of war, but of dialogue between the parties; it is the path of understanding," he said.

"We hope that this meeting in Rome will bear much fruit," the cardinal added. "The Holy See follows it with great intensity. It is in touch with several governments of the world to offer its contribution, so that this tragedy will end as soon as possible."

Wednesday's conference at Italy's foreign ministry will bring together ministers from 15 countries as well as top officials from the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank.

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