Can't wait to meet pope says Abbas

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 29 - Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Friday he couldn't wait to see Pope Francis when the PNA chief visits Italy on December 12-13.
    On December 12 and 13, Abbas will travel to Italy to meet Pope Francis, President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
    I can't wait to meet the Pope. For me, he is a friend," Abu Mazen repeated several times during a long conversation with the Italian bishops' daily newspaper Avvenire.
    "I cannot forget that historic event that he promoted in the Vatican when he called, for the first time in history together, us, Muslims, Jews and Christians to plant an olive tree for peace in his gardens. Every day, we welcome his invitation to pray to our only God for him." (ANSA).