Pope Prays To 'Avert A New Spiral Of Violence' Over Jerusalem

The Vatican on Sunday said Pope Francis is praying so that "leaders of nations" commit themselves to work to "avert a new spiral of violence" over Jerusalem and is expressing "sorrow for the clashes in recent days that have produced victims." In a statement, the Holy See recalled Francis's appeal last week for "wisdom and prudence" to prevail, and it reiterated its position asserting "the essential need for respecting the status quo" of Jerusalem.