Matthew 24:10,11 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
In a treaty released Wednesday, the Vatican officially recognized a Palestinian State.
“Yes, it’s a recognition that the state exists,” the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, told reporters, according to The Associated Press.
Israeli officials said they were disappointed in the actions of the Vatican and that the Catholic Church was hurting the prospects of peace in the region with their decision.
The Vatican said that the statement “deals with essential aspects of the life and activity of the Catholic Church in Palestine.”
“We have recognized the State of Palestine ever since it was given recognition by the United Nations and it is already listed as the State of Palestine in our official yearbook,” Father Lombardi said.
An Israeli ministry official said “it was surprising to see this letter published before the government of Israel was officially established.”
The Pope has spoken of a “State of Palestine” in previous speeches including his pleading for Hamas to stop their terrorists attacks on Israel last year.
