Benedict called for respect between cultures and religions. "The serious difficulties encountered by the Christian community" in the Holy Land of Israel and the Palestinian territories, he said.
"…because of lack of security, work, restrictions on movements and poverty are a source of anxiety for us."
The Pope made the comments during a meeting considering assistance to Christian churches based mainly in the Middle East.
"This situation makes the educational, professional and family future uncertain for the young generations, who are strongly tempted to leave their native lands," he said.
"It is a situation which is repeated in other areas of the Middle East (such as) Iraq and Iran."
The Pope said, "We must find new ways of meeting the needs of these people.
“I renew my appeal to priests and the faithful, to all those who have a responsibility, to encourage mutual respect between cultures and religions, in order to create in the Middle East the conditions for calm and peaceful coexistence."