Pope Convenes Meeting of Middle Eastern Prelates

Voice of America, November 28, 2001

Pope John Paul II has called a meeting next month of leading Roman Catholic prelates from the Middle East to discuss the future of Christians in the Holy Land.

A spokesman says the meeting will take place in Vatican City December 13. The Vatican spokesman says Pope invited leaders of various Catholic rites from the Holy Land for what was termed a "purely pastoral" meeting that would not involve politics. The spokesman said the purpose of the meeting is to show commitment to a continued Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Vatican sources say the Pope is concerned about increased violence and discrimination in the Middle East.

The meeting will take place on the eve of a day of prayer and fasting for world peace, which coincides with the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The number of Christians living in the Holy Land has dropped dramatically in recent years.

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