John Kerry Discusses Middle East Peace Process, Other Issues with Vatican Secretary of State

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
admires Vatican art

This morning the Secretary of State for the Holy See, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, welcomed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to the Vatican to discuss the peace process in the Middle East.

Of special concern was the situation in Syria and the preparations for the Geneva II Middle East Peace Conference, and negotiations between Israel and Palestine.  

Completing the agenda for the meeting, which lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes, were problems in Africa (particularly South Sudan) and other concerns of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, such as healthcare reform.

Also representing the Holy See at the meeting was Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.  The U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Kenneth Hackett, participated on behalf of the United States.