Saudi King and Pope Discuss Need to Aid Families

Also Talk of Peace Among Israelis and Palestinians

VATICAN CITY , NOV. 6, 2007 ( Zenit.org ).- For the first time in history, a Saudi Arabian king visited a Pope today; the two discussed the need for collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews, especially in supporting the value of the family.

King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with Benedict XVI today for about 30 minutes in the Vatican . The Saudi Arabian leader then went on to meet with the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.


"The meetings took place in a cordial atmosphere and provided an opportunity to consider questions close to the heart of both sides," the Vatican press office reported. "In particular, the commitment to inter-religious and intercultural dialogue aimed at peaceful and fruitful coexistence between individuals and peoples was reiterated, as was the importance of collaboration between Christians, Muslims and Jews for the promotion of peace, justice and spiritual and moral values, especially in support of the family."

The Vatican authorities expressed their hope for the prosperity of Saudi Arabia 's inhabitants, the communiqué stated. They also mentioned the positive and industrious presence of Christians.

"Finally," the statement continued, "views were exchanged on the situation in the Middle East and on the need to find a just solution to the conflicts affecting the region, especially that between Israelis and Palestinians."

The 84-year-old king is the custodian of the mosques of Mecca and Medina .

Saudi Arabia and the Holy See do not maintain diplomatic relations.

Additionally, as reported by By Victor L. Simpson of the Associated Press …

The Vatican counts 890,000 Catholics, mainly guest workers from the Philippines , among the estimated 1.5 million Christians in Saudi Arabia .

The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano said the Vatican hoped the meeting with the Saudi king would produce a "sincere" dialogue on Christian worship in the country.

The Vatican said the talks were "warm" and allowed a wide discussion on the need for inter-religious and intercultural dialogue among Christians, Muslims and Jews "for the promotion of peace, justice and spiritual and moral values, especially in support of the family," a statement said.

Benedict has said he wants to reach out to all countries that still do not have diplomatic relations with the Vatican . Those countries include Saudi Arabia and China .