Pope Francis used his Christmas message on Monday to call for a negotiated two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after US President Donald Trump stoked regional tensions with his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. It was the second time that the pope has spoken out publicly about Jerusalem since Trump’s decision on 6 December. On that day, Francis called for the city’s “status quo” to be respected, lest new tensions in the Middle East further inflame world conflicts. If we really want to celebrate Christmas, let’s contemplate this image: the fragile simplicity of a new-born baby. — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 23, 2017Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future independent state, whereas Israel has declared the whole city to be its “united and eternal” capital.

Source: Huffington Post December 25, 2017 23:37 UTC