Vatican City. The Vatican’s treaty recognizes “Palestine” as an equal partner with Israel in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – The Vatican’s treaty recognizing the “state of Palestine” has come into full effect, the Holy See announced over the weekend.

The treaty, signed in June 2015, affirms a two-state solution, recognizes “Palestine” as an equal partner with Israel in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and intends to protect the rights of the Catholic Church to operate in disputed Palestinian territories.

“The agreement, consisting of a preamble and 32 articles, regards essential aspects of the life and activity of the Church in Palestine, while at the same time reaffirming the support for a negotiated and peaceful solution to the conflict in the region,” the Vatican said in a statement.

In May 2014, Pope Francis said that both Israel and “Palestine” have a right to exist.