Pope Francis, who arrived at the prayer in a golf cart, remained for around 30 minutes. The ambassadors of Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia were among those present, as well as Rabbi Alberto Funaro and Abdellah Redouane, secretary general of the Islamic Cultural Center of Italy-Grand Mosque of Rome.
In his remarks, the pontiff said he thinks “of all those who are suffering, in Israel and Palestine: the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims.”
“I think of how urgent it is that from the rubble of Gaza there is finally a decision to stop the weapons and, therefore, I ask that there be a cease-fire; I think of the Israeli family members and hostages and ask that they be freed as soon as possible; I think of the Palestinian population and ask that they be protected and receive all the humanitarian aid they need; I think of the many people displaced by the fighting, and I ask that soon their homes be rebuilt so that they can return to them in peace,” he said.
Francis said he is also thinking of all the Palestinians and Israelis of good will who, amidst tears and suffering, are waiting in hope for peace.
“We must all work and strive so that a lasting peace is achieved, where the State of Palestine and the State of Israel can live side by side, breaking down the walls of enmity and hatred; and we must all cherish Jerusalem, so that it becomes the city of fraternal encounter between Christians, Jews and Muslims, protected by a special internationally guaranteed status,” he urged.
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