‘Jerusalem belongs to all religions’: Pope Francis

CAIRO – 8 July 2018: “All the governments around the world should find a solution to the Jerusalem issue, supporting the two-state solution, to settle the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Pope Francis said Sunday in Bari, Italy.

Pope Francis also expressed his rejection to the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. "Jerusalem is still the holy city, a city for all people, a unique and sacred city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims all over the world," he added.

"Jerusalem is an incubator for the three religions. If one authority controls it at the expense of others, war will begin and extremism will become prevalent," the pope stated.

"A solution, agreed upon by Israelis and Palestinians and preferred by all nations, will lead to a stable and lasting peace and will ensure the coexistence of the two states and peoples," the pope explained.

Pope Francis traveled on July 7 to the Italian city of Bari, south of the Adriatic, to pray for Christians in the Middle East with the heads and representatives of churches and Christian communities.

According to the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and Cardinal, Leonardo Sandri, Pope Francis chose Bari for this ecumenical prayer because it is described as a "window to the East," where relics of St. Nicholas, venerated by both Catholics and Orthodox, are preserved.

In December 2017, United States President Donald Trump has officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel during a televised speech from the White House, Washington D.C.

The majority of the world leaders refused to acknowledge Trump’s decision, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Britain, France, Canada, Morocco, and Germany. “We refuse Trump’s decision. It is a unilateral and unfortunate decision which undermines the peace process.” Most of the leaders unanimously agreed. Other statements even described the step as a "declaration of war" and a "kiss of death". Calls for protests and demonstrations went viral within the Arab world, as Trump himself said that he is expecting.