Pope opens MidEast summit

POPE Benedict yesterday opened a crisis summit of Middle East bishops to discuss the future of Christians in the region and insisted they have a right to live in their homelands.

War and violence in Iraq and the Holy Land have provoked an exodus of thousands of Christians. Harsh economic conditions have also prompted many faithful to leave.

“Living with dignity in one’s homeland is a fundamental human right,” and “conditions of peace and justice are indispensable for a harmonious development of all the region’s inhabitants,” Benedict said, expressing hope that faithful can “can experience the joy of living in the Holy Land”.