Pope Francis again stresses the importance of preserving the status quo in Jerusalem and urges fresh talks between Israel and Palestinians on a two-state solution, the Vatican says.
The Argentine pontiff strongly opposed US President Donald Trump’s bitterly contested move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his plans to move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.
Referring to “the unique nature of Jerusalem” in a letter to Egypt’s top Muslim cleric Ahmed al-Tayeb, Francis says that “only a special status, guaranteed by the international community, can preserve its identity, (and) unique vocation as a place of peace.”
Only that “would allow a future of reconciliation and hope for the entire region,” he says.
“The Holy See will not cease from urgently calling for dialogue to resume between Israelis and Palestinians for a negotiated solution aimed at the peaceful coexistence of two states,” the letter continues.
— AP
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