Vatican-Israel Talks On Church Property, Status Resume

The Los Angeles Times reports that on Monday, Israel and the Vatican resumed long-stalled negotiations over church property, taxes and the status of the Church in Israel. The meeting of the Israel-Holy See Bilateral Commission took place in Rome. (See prior related postings 1, 2.) Both sides said that the meetings were cordial and important progress was made; however significant disagreements remain to be worked out in future talks. The parties agreed to meet again in Jerusalem before the end of the year.