Pope Calls For Two State Solution and Climate Treaty

Pope calls for two-state solution

Pope Benedict XVI called for “universal recognition” of both Israel’s right to exist and the rights of Palestinians to an independent state.

In his traditional New Year’s address Monday to world diplomats accredited to the Vatican, the pope recalled that during his trip to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority last May, he had “urgently appealed” for dialogue and respect between Israelis and the Palestinians.

“Once again I call for a universal recognition of the right of the State of Israel to exist and to enjoy peace and security within internationally recognized borders,” he said. “Likewise, the right of the Palestinian people to a sovereign and independent homeland, to live in dignity and to enjoy freedom of movement, ought to be recognized.”

The pope also called for “the protection of the identity and sacred character of Jerusalem, and of its cultural and religious heritage, which is of universal value.”

Pope denounces failure to forge new climate treaty

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI denounced the failure of world leaders to agree to a new climate change treaty in Copenhagen last month, saying Monday that world peace depends on safeguarding God's creation.

He issued the admonition in a speech to ambassadors accredited to the Vatican, an annual appointment during which the pontiff reflects on issues the Vatican wants to highlight to the diplomatic corps.

Benedict has been dubbed the "green pope" for his increasingly vocal concern about the need to protect the environment. Under his watch, the Vatican has installed photovoltaic cells on its main auditorium to convert sunlight into electricity and has joined a reforestation project aimed at offsetting its CO2 emissions.

For the pontiff, it's a moral issue: Church teaching holds that man must respect creation because it's destined for the benefit of humanity's future.

In his speech, the pontiff criticized the "economic and political resistance" to fighting environmental degradation and creating a new climate treaty at last month's negotiations in Copenhagen.