The Vatican on Wednesday formally recognized the state of Palestine with the finalization of a new treaty updating its diplomatic relations. The treaty, which has yet to be signed, is "the first legal document negotiated between the Holy See and the Palestinian state and constitutes an official recognition," according to The Associated Press.
More than 130 countries recognize Palestine as a state, as does the United Nations, which in 2012 voted overwhelmingly in favor of recognition. The United States does not recognize Palestine and opposed the U.N. vote, calling it "unfortunate and counterproductive."
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