Rome, Italy, Jun 24, 2010 / 18:04 pm
Representatives from Vatican delegations and aid agencies working in the Middle East wrapped up the working sessions of the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO in its Italian abbreviation) on Thursday. According to the organizing Vatican congregation, expectations are "great" among the participants for October's Special Assembly for the Middle East.
The 83rd session of the ROACO is taking place in the Vatican this week.
Thusday's session, which centered on the situation in the Holy Land, was highlighted by addresses given by the Archbishop Antonio Franco, pontifical representative to Jerusalem in Israel, Palestine and Cyprus; Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land; as well as other experts who spoke of current issues in the region and initiatives being undertaken in support of Christians there.
A press release from the Congregation for the Oriental Churches noted a "significant willingness" of representatives over the course of the meetings "to guarantee a better future for Christians in the Holy Land and in the entire Middle Eastern region."