Pope calls for dialogue, moderation after Jerusalem violence
"I am following with trepidation the grave tension and violence of recent days in Jerusalem," says pontiff. "I feel the need to express a heartfelt call for moderation and dialog."
By REUTERSUpdated: JULY 23, 2017 15:04Pope Francis leads the mass for the canonization in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican(photo credit: REUTERS)
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis said on Sunday he was alarmed by the recent violence in Jerusalem and called for dialog and moderation to help restore peace."I am following with trepidation the grave tension and violence of recent days in Jerusalem. I feel the need to express a heartfelt call for moderation and dialog," the pope told pilgrims gathered under blazing sunshine in St Peter's Square.Three Israelis were killed in a stabbing attack in Halamish, July 21, 2017 (Reuters)He called for prayers in the hope that all sides would come forward with proposals for "reconciliation and peace."Three Israelis were stabbed to death in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank on Friday, hours after three Palestinians were killed in violence that erupted following Israel's installation of metal detectors at entry points to the Temple Mount compound as bolstered security measures after two Border Police officers were killed earlier in July in an attack at the site in Jerusalem.Jpost.com Staff contributed to this report.