Pope Benedict XVI ended his Mideast trip on Friday with another call for the creation of a Palestinian state and telling the faithful that peace is possible. "Let it be universally recognized that the state of Israel has the right to exist, and to enjoy peace and security within internationally agreed borders," the pope said on at Tel Aviv's airport before boarding the plane for Rome. "Let it be likewise acknowledged that the Palestinian people have a right to a sovereign independent homeland."
"Let the two-state solution become a reality, not remain a dream," Benedict said, according to the AP. Later, he acknowledged that there were "great differences" among the various positions on the peace process, but said he found "deep interest in peace." "Even if this was less visible, it needs to be encouraged," Benedict told reporters in brief remarks during his flight.
