Pope renews call for ‘wisdom and prudence’ over Jerusalem

Pope Francis. (AFP FILE PHOTO)

Pope Francis has renewed a call for “wisdom and prudence” over United States President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, which has since sparked protests and clashes.

“The Holy Father renews his appeal for the wisdom and prudence of everyone, and raises fervent prayers so that the leaders of nations, in this time of special gravity, commit themselves to avert a new spiral of violence,” a statement from the Vatican said on Sunday.

There were fresh protests in the Middle East and elsewhere Sunday over Trump’s declaration, a move that drew global condemnation and triggered days of unrest in the Palestinian territories.

Noting that Jerusalem was sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims, Pope Francis reiterated the church’s “well-known position concerning the singular character of the Holy City and the essential need for respecting the status quo”.

“At the same time the Holy See reiterates its own conviction that only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians can bring a stable and lasting peace, and guarantee the peaceful co-existence of two states within internationally recognized borders,” the statement added.           /kga