Rome, Italy, Jun 24, 2010 / 22:30 pm
Speaking to CNA about the continuing negotiations between the Holy See and the State of Israel which have been attempting to decide the official status of the Church in the Middle Eastern State since 1993, Franciscan Fr. David-Maria Jaeger said that progress is "definitely" being made. While the going might be slow, he said, both sides are working hard to reach conclusions.
With the signing of the Fundamental Agreement in 1993, negotiations began between the Vatican and Israel on measures to protect the Church's patrimony in the Holy Land. The meetings have also focused on judicial, fiscal and economic policy for the Church in the area and issues related to the clergy and religious who work there.
Fr. Jaeger is involved in the negotiations as a legal adviser to the Holy See's delegation.
"The agreement is definitely possible and both sides are working very hard to achieve the agreement," Fr. Jaeger told CNA, saying that he has detected wholehearted goodwill and determination from the Israeli delegation for reaching an accord.