President Donald Trump’s proclamation on Wednesday “officially recognizing Jerusalem as [Israel’s] capital” and his decision to relocate the “United States Embassy to Israel to Jerusalem as soon as practicable” has rocked the world. The measure certainly has its opponents, including Pope Francis and the heads of some Christian churches in Jerusalem. In fact, 13 church leaders from Greek, Syrian and Armenian Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and other traditions signed a letter to Trump that warned of
potential repercussions, according to The Los Angeles Times. “We are certain that such steps will yield increased hatred, conflict, violence and suffering in Jerusalem and the Holy Land,” the letter read. Pope Francis, who spoke out on Wednesday before Trump’s announcement, asked that the status quo be respected. “I make a heartfelt appeal so that all commit themselves to respecting the status quo of the city, in conformity with the pertinent resolutions of the United Nations,” the pontiff said. READ MORE
