Pope Francis calls to pray for Gaza peace

Pope Francis speaks to President Shimon Peres this morning, asking him to deliver a message of coexistence, moderation and peace to all the citizens of the region in light of the current security situation.

“This is a painful moment,” Francis says. “I am convinced that God brings us together in a prayer for peace, and please allow me to say it’s a prophetic gesture which, in some ways, will mark the future path…. We have to move forward and insist on this path of prayer for peace. I believe in prayer, in the power of prayer, and I believe in the hearts of men who are working for peace. I ask God for a quick solution and a political solution. I’m close to you with my prayers and thoughts.”

Pope Francis seen with President Shimon Peres at a ceremony held at the president's residence in Jerusalem, on May 26, 2014. (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) — Pope Francis with President Shimon Peres at a ceremony at the president’s residence in Jerusalem, on May 26, 2014. (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

According to a statement from the president’s residence, President Peres replies, “We are trying to do as much as we can to lower the flames, because we do not consider the people of Gaza as enemies. I know that the people of Gaza themselves didn’t decide on this situation that they find themselves in. There is a small group of fanatics who are the cause of suffering in Gaza.

“Our operation is aimed to bring an end to two killing methods — the rockets from the sky, and the tunnels from under the earth,” Peres says. “We have discovered two tunnels which were supposed to enable them to enter into the heart of civilian life and kill indiscriminately. Fortunately, we discovered it in time and prevented the murder. Right now, the main thing we are doing is to put an end to these tunnels and we are trying to see how to limit the confrontation, particularly with regard to the rockets, which they fire at our civilians,” he adds.

“I hope it will not be a long-lasting operation and I can assure you that our people are careful and will continue to be very careful not to cause damage and death to innocent people. We shall continue to search for a road to peace in spite of the fire and in spite of the failure to have a ceasefire, because finally the solution must be political and not just military,” he tells the pope.