Fr. Pizzaballa
The Franciscan Custodian of the Holy Land, who believes in a historic passage in a world which is yet to reap the fruits of the Arab Spring, speaks to “Vatican Radio”
vatican insider staffRome“In the Holy Land, everyone is awaiting the Pope’s visit with great anticipation.” “Numerous participation requests” have already been received and “because of the political situation getting visas will not be easy.”
The Custodian of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa stated this, noting that the Arab Spring changed all organisational structures and Christians in the Middle East are expecting Benedict XVI’s guidance and support.
“Lebanonis a crucial cultural reference point for the entire Middle East and it is also for the life of the Church. This is why everyone wants to be present. The parishioners’ assembly, presided over by the Patriarch has already decided that all parishes will dedicate the next pastoral year to the study and reading of the Post-Synodal Exhortation,” the Franciscan cleric noted......
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