Pope Francis reiterated Monday his call to respect the status quo of Jerusalem following US President Donald Trump’s recognition of the city as Israel’s capital.
Addressing ambassadors from more than 180 countries Francis said, “We reiterate our call to abide by UN resolutions and to respect the joint commitments over the status of Jerusalem, which is sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims.”
#Pope #Francis pleads against recognition of #Jerusalem as capital of #Israel by President #Trump,asks for 'status quo' to be respected.https://t.co/ZBQfLUwbpG #Christian #Muslim #Jews #Palestine #Palestinians #Palestinian #MiddleEast #WestBank #GazaStrip #Gaza
— ZUBAER HAQUE (@STRATEGYMONITOR) December 6, 2017
On December 21, the UN General Assembly overwhelming adopted a Turkish-sponsored resolution rejecting Trump’s move by a vote of 128-9, with 35 abstentions.
Pope Francis also urged a two-state solution between Palestinians and Israelis, saying “Establishing a dialogue and maintaining the negotiations, despite all the difficulties, are the best way in order to make two nations live in peace.”
In phone call Turkey's president and Pope Francis said to be satisfied with U.N. resolution calling US to rescind recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. https://t.co/n8ccEmg9Pl (CNS photo/Debbie Hill) pic.twitter.com/Ka8BujXmli
— Catholic News Service (@CatholicNewsSvc) December 29, 2017
“It is very important that refugees — who took shelter in neighboring countries; particularly Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey – return their home,” the Catholic pontiff said of the Syrian refugees who have fled the civil war in their country.
Turkey hosts more Syrian refugees than any other country in the world. The country has spent more than €20 billion from its own national resources for helping and sheltering refugees since the beginning of the Syrian civil war.
Pope Francis and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, used their traditional Christmas Day message to make oblique criticism of Donald Trump over the Jerusalem decision.
Lord, we give thanks..https://t.co/onxdVz1C6j pic.twitter.com/6KntvAFsx1— Sabeel Jerusalem (@SabeelJerusalem) December 28, 2017
Praising efforts by countries across the world that host refugees, he called on international community to facilitate the return of all who have been displaced from their homes.
The Pope also thanked Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya Muslims fled violence in Myanmar. Since August 25, 2017, over 656,000 Rohingya have crossed from Myanmar’s western state of Rakhine into Bangladesh, according to the UN.
(MEMO, PC, Social Media)
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER: I Trained to become a baptised Catholic at 30 years of age by freedom of choice. I am very pleased with Pope Francis’s above messages about rejection of Trump’s USA embassy move to Jerusalem. Jesus Christ died on the Cross for the chance of Forgiveness of sin of all Mankind … no exclusion or exclusive rights to any individuals or groups of different ethnic people of different religions.