Author: Francis X. Rocca

Source: The Pew Forum/Religion News Service

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=15600

Asserting that "all peoples have a right to be given equal opportunities to flourish," Pope Benedict XVI on Monday (May 12) voiced concern for Israel's dwindling Christian minority, and called for a relaxation of travel restrictions on the country's Palestinians.

The pope made his remarks on in a meeting with Mordechay Lewy, the new Israeli ambassador to the Holy See.

Benedict also called for a "positive and expeditious resolution" of longstanding tax and legal disputes between Israel and the Vatican.