Pope Francis has called for the status quo of Jerusalem to be respected to prevail to avoid further conflict, hours before the expected announcement that the United States is recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
The pope made the appeal during his weekly audience in Vatican city after speaking with the Palestinian leader and Palestinian religious and intellectual representatives in a previously scheduled audience.
Pope Francis said he was profoundly concerned about recent developments concerning Jerusalem, and declared the city a unique and sacred place for Christians, Jews and Muslims that has a special vocation for peace.
He appealed that everyone should respect the status quo of the city, according to UN resolutions.