Le pape François reçoit Mahmoud Abbas

[Pope Francis on Monday meets Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas at Vatican] President Mahmoud Abbas met on Monday with Pope Francis I in the Vatican during which President Abbas briefed the Pope on the latest developments in Palestine and the implications of the US decision recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving its embassy to the city. According to the wires, he also briefed him on Israeli violations against the Palestinian people, their land and holy places, particularly in Jerusalem. The meeting also revolved on relations between Palestine and the Papal seat and the strong historical relations between them, while President Abbas thanked the Pope for his support of the just Palestinian cause. The private talks lasted some 20 minutes and at the end Abbas said to Pope: "We are counting on you!". It is the sixth personal meeting between the two since 2013, a clear indication of the pope’s dedication to the Palestinian cause. President Abbas arrived in Rome on Sunday night on an official visit. He is scheduled to meet on Monday with the Italian president Mattarella and prime minister Giuseppe Conte. The Vatican recognized the State of Palestine on January 2, 2016. Pope welcoming president Mahmoud Abbas, the two leaders hugging each other; Pope and Abbas entering the papal library for talks, posing for photos, sitting at table, talking each other; exchanging of gift; family photo; Abbas leaving; cu two leader hold hands.