Pope John Paul I in his first public reference to the Middle East situation called today for prayers that a “just solution” may emerge from the Camp David talks. At his first weekly general audience before a cheering crowd of 10,000 in the Vatican’s Nervi Hall, the Pontiff said he was praying for a solution that would solve the Palestinian problem, ensure Israel’s security and safeguard Jerusalem.
“I want us to pray together for the success of Camp David, that those discussions open the way toward a just and complete peace,” the Pope said. “This conflict has raged for more than 30 years over the land of Jesus and has claimed victims and suffering among Arabs and Israelis alike.” He said the conflict, “like a bad disease has spread to nearby countries–think of Lebanon, a martyred Lebanon, rent by the repercussions of the crisis.”
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