The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations called for the maintaining of the status quo of Jerusalem, noting that the city is the “spiritual capital” to millions of believers from the three monotheistic religions must be respected and guaranteed.
The comments came in an intervention December 21, 2017, during the Thirty-Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was called to address the situation in Jerusalem.
The Holy See called for dialogue toward a peaceful resolution that respects the nature of Jerusalem, in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions.
The statement follows.
Statement of the Delegation of the Holy See
Thirty-Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Tenth Emergency Special Session
of the United Nations General Assembly
21 December 2017
Mr. President,
The Delegation of the Holy See wishes to express its appreciation to the Member States for their commitment to averting new rounds of violence and to promoting dialogue and negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians on the peace process and the question of Jerusalem. At the same time, it wishes to recall the obligation of all Nations to respect the historical status quo of the Holy City, in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions.
The unique identity of Jerusalem, which is of universal interest, consists in its particular nature as a Holy City, most sacred to the three monotheistic religions and a symbol for millions of believers worldwide who consider it their “spiritual capital”. Its significance goes beyond the question of borders and this reality should be considered a priority in every negotiation for a political solution.
The Holy See calls for a peaceful resolution that respects the nature of Jerusalem, its sacredness and universal value, and reiterates that only an internationally guaranteed status can preserve its unique character and be an assurance of dialogue and reconciliation for peace in the region.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Copyright © 2017 Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, All rights reserved.
