VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Wednesday defended the "status quo" of Jerusalem, hours forward of a statement by way of US President Donald Trump in which officials said he'll recognise the disputed city as Israel's capital.
"I cannot silence my deep concern over the situation that has emerged in recent days. At the same time, I appeal strongly for all to respect the city's status quo, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions," the pope said in his weekly deal with.
The Argentine pontiff's name came an afternoon after he spoke on telephone with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, the Vatican said without elaborating.
"Jerusalem is a unique city, sacred for Jews, Christians and Muslims," he said, adding that it used to be home to sites deemed holy by way of fans of the three main monotheistic faiths.
Jerusalem, the pope said, holds a "special vocation for peace".
"I pray to God that this identity is preserved and reinforced, for the sake of the Holy Land, the Middle East and the whole world, and that wisdom and prudence prevail," he said.
The pontiff added that maintaining the status quo used to be vital "in order to avoid adding new elements of tension to an already volatile world that is wracked by so many cruel conflicts".
"I cannot silence my deep concern over the situation that has emerged in recent days. At the same time, I appeal strongly for all to respect the city's status quo, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions," the pope said in his weekly deal with.
The Argentine pontiff's name came an afternoon after he spoke on telephone with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, the Vatican said without elaborating.
"Jerusalem is a unique city, sacred for Jews, Christians and Muslims," he said, adding that it used to be home to sites deemed holy by way of fans of the three main monotheistic faiths.
Jerusalem, the pope said, holds a "special vocation for peace".
"I pray to God that this identity is preserved and reinforced, for the sake of the Holy Land, the Middle East and the whole world, and that wisdom and prudence prevail," he said.
The pontiff added that maintaining the status quo used to be vital "in order to avoid adding new elements of tension to an already volatile world that is wracked by so many cruel conflicts".
Pope Francis defends Jerusalem 'status quo'
![Pope Francis defends Jerusalem 'status quo']()
Reviewed by Kailash
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December 07, 2017
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