Pope Appeals for Peace in Jerusalem

At the conclusion of the general audience today, Pope Francis called for peace in Jerusalem after months of tensions between Israelis and Palestinians led to an attack at a synagogue.

On Tuesday, two armed Palestinian men entered Har Nof Synagogue in West Jerusalem and opened fire, killing four rabbis and a policeman. The assailants were killed by police in the standoff.

“I am following with concern the alarming increase in tension in Jerusalem and in other parts of the Holy Land, with unacceptable episodes of violence that do not even spare the places of worship,” the Pope said.

The Holy Father assured his prayers for the victims and those who suffer the consequences of the attack. He followed with a heartfelt call to both Israelis and Palestinians to end the violence.

“I appeal to the parties involved to put an end to the spiral of hatred and violence and to take the courageous decisions for reconciliation and peace,” he said.

“Building peace is difficult, but living without peace is a torment!"