In remarks to journalists on Friday, Parolin called the deal a “step forward”, and expressed his hope "that this is indeed the first step on a path toward lasting and definitive peace.”

The hardest part, the cardinal remarked, would be the implementation, “because, as they say, the devil is in the details. So there are many points that need to be implemented and probably about which there is no perfect agreement between the two sides.”

What’s needed is “goodwill,” affirmed Parolin, praising the fact that a result has at least been achieved: “Let’s hope we can continue in this direction.”