Pope Francis is deeply involved in modern politics. He attacked President Trump on Christmas Day, using his traditional speech as a vehicle to deliver searing criticisms. Francis opposes recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
“Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two states within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders,” intoned the pope on Christmas.
The leader of the Catholic church, addressing his flock on a momentous occasion, chose to focus on a complex political issue rather spirituality.
“We see Jesus in the children of the Middle East who continue to suffer because of growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians,” Francis continued.
Trump defied expectations by relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel. The Western world has been harsh on the Israelis, to the point that UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has publicly spoken about the bias.
“I cannot remain silent about my deep concern for the situation that has developed in recent days,” the pope said.
“And at the same time, I wish to make a heartfelt appeal to ensure that everyone is committed to respecting the status quo of the city, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.”
If advocating for the two-state solution wasn’t enough, Francis also used his holiday speech to plead for the world’s migrants and refugees.
“As the winds of war are blowing in our world . . . Christmas invites us to focus on the sign of the child and to recognize him in the faces of little children, especially those for whom, like Jesus, ‘there is no place in the inn,’ ” Francis said.
(Source: New York Post)