Vatican casts light on Palestinian Christians

During a ceremony at the Vatican this weekend, the Catholic Church will bestow sainthood on two 19th century Palestinian nuns. The move follows a treaty finalized earlier this week in which the Vatican officially recognized the state of Palestine.

Palestinian Christians, who have long been an integral part of the fabric of Palestinian society, are celebrating the moves as a “spiritual uprising” — hoping it will strengthen their community and cast light on Israel’s ongoing military occupation of Palestinian lands.

But who are the Palestinian Christians? And will the recent steps taken by the Vatican bring Palestinians and Israelis closer to peace? AJ+’s Dena Takruri examines the issue.