Vatican recognizes state of Palestine in new treaty

The Vatican officially recognized the state of Palestine in a new treaty finalized May 13, immediately sparking Israeli ire and accusations that the move hurt peace prospects.

The treaty, which concerns the activities of the Catholic Church in Palestinian territory, makes clear that the Holy See has switched its diplomatic recognition from the Palestine Liberation Organization to the state of Palestine.The Vatican had welcomed the decision by the U.N. General Assembly in 2012 to recognize a Palestinian state. But the treaty is the first legal document negotiated between the Holy See and the Palestinian state and constitutes official diplomatic recognition.

The treaty was finalized days before Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visits Pope Francis at the Vatican. 

Abbas is heading to Rome to attend Francis' canonization Sunday of two new saints from the Holy Land.
      
The Vatican has been referring unofficially to the state of Palestine for at least a year.

Source: Huriyet Daily News