(VOVworld) - The historic accord signed by Vatican and Palestine government in June officially came into force on Saturday.

Pope Francis (L) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on May 25, 2014. (Photo: Atta Jaber/Flash90)

According to the agreement, Vatican officially recognizes Palestine as a nation. A Vatican’s representative said that recognizing Palestine as a nation will help promote the peace progress with Israel and the agreement will provide a model for other Middle East countries. The accord includes “essential aspects of the life and activity of the church in Palestine.” Vatican used the term State of Palestine in its official documents since February 2013, after the United Nations recognized Palestine as a nonmember observer state in 2012.