Pope francis will officially recognize palestinian statehood
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Eric Vandeville/AP Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free _Mother Jones Daily_. The Vatican is set to sign a new treaty to formally
recognize the state of Palestine. The statement was released by a joint commission of Vatican and Palestinian officials on Wednesday, and indicated an agreement had been “concluded,” with an
official signing to take place soon. Though the Vatican has long hinted at supporting an official recognition, Wednesday’s news signals the Vatican’s first legal shift from recognizing the
Palestinian Liberation Organization to the state of Palestine, according to the AP. In 2012, the Vatican applauded the United Nations’ decision to formally observe a Palestinian state.
Shortly after the statement’s release, Israel expressed disappointment in the Vatican’s decision. “This move does not promote the peace process and distances the Palestinian leadership from
returning to direct and bilateral negotiations,” the Israeli foreign ministry said, according to the AP. “Israel will study the agreement and will consider its steps accordingly.”