Palestinian, Israeli youth delegations meet with the Pope

A delegation representing Israeli and Palestinian youths met with Pope John Paul II in Italy on Wednesday and handed him what is called the "peace order of merit" which bears the signature of US President Bill Clinton, Israeli President Ezer Weizman and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat as well as Israeli Regional Cooperation Minister Shimon Peres.

Israel Radio reported that the Israeli Meretz Center contributed to organizing this visit in the framework of strengthening peace in the Middle East.

Israel Radio added that three children representing the three divine religions gave the Pope this "order of merit," which signifies peaceful coexistence among the three divine religions in the holy land.