VATICAN CITY, FEB. 6, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI encouraged leaders from Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan in their efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.
The Pope greeted a delegation of parliamentarians from the three countries today at the general audience. The group included 12 officials from each country.
The Holy Father told them, "I offer my prayerful good wishes for their efforts to promote reconciliation, justice and peace in the region."
The politicians are in Rome to attend an international seminar aimed at strengthening the political institutions and promote citizen participation in Middle Eastern countries.
The Rome-based Institute for Relations Between Italy and Africa, Latin America and the Middle and Far East organized the congress.
Organizers reported that the seminar is also intended to give Italian parliamentarians the opportunity to learn more about Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon's democratic institutions and civil society organizations.
Vatican secretary of state Tarciso Bertone also met with the group.
