Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu invites Pope Francis to Holy Land

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Pope Francis on Monday for the first time, at which, in particular, he discussed the situation in the Middle East, The Jerusalem Post said.

The conversation between the Israeli politician and the head of the Vatican lasted for 25 minutes. Netanyahu and Francis discussed the Iranian nuclear program, the talks between Israel and Palestine, and the position of Christians in the Middle East. Moreover, Netanyahu personally invited Francis to the Holy Land.

According to Israeli diplomats, the historic meeting was highly important, given the fact that the Vatican, during certain periods of history, was not ready to accept the idea of ​​Jewish sovereignty. Diplomatic relations between Israel and the Vatican were established only in 1993. For the time being, only three Popes have visited Israel. The first visit took place in 1964, when Paul VI visited the country.

Francis, apparently, will visit Holy Land next year.