Today, 4 November 2021, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial talks in the Secretariat of State, the good relations between the Holy See and the State of Palestine were acknowledged, and bilateral issues of mutual interest were addressed. In addition, the need to promote human brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among the various faiths was acknowledged. With regard to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, it was stressed that it is absolutely necessary to reactivate direct dialogue in order to achieve a two-state solution, also with the help of more vigorous effort on the part of the international community. Lastly, it was reiterated that Jerusalem must be recognised by all as a place of encounter and not of conflict, and that its status must preserve its identity and universal value as a Holy City for all three Abrahamic religions, also through a special internationally guaranteed status.

Finally, attention turned to the urgency of working for peace, avoiding the use of weapons, and combating all forms of extremism and fundamentalism.