Patriarch calls for “peace in Jerusalem”

PRESS RELEASE – The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, is very concerned about the outbreak of violence and the rapid deterioration of the situation in Jerusalem. He calls for an immediate return to calm and to search for effective solutions to preserve the sanctity of this Holy City “three times” holy.


Since the conflict in Gaza, Jerusalem has not regained a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The cowardly murders of Israelis and Palestinians continue and many times the victims are innocent men, women and children. The loss of these lives is as much a response and justification to new settlement policies in East Jerusalem. These far-reaching, unlawful and dangerous actions threaten the city and its surroundings that drive many individuals to radicalization.

Jerusalem is a city “three times” holy.  No other city in the world can claim to be as holy in nature.  Pilgrims, Jews, Christians and Muslims are here to seek God.  This city, a symbol of peace for millions of believers throughout the world, has become a dangerous place mired in flames and hatred.  More than anywhere else, peace must be restored in Jerusalem to ensure the security of pilgrims and its residents.

I call on all of you who love Jerusalem to gather in prayer, that we give back to this City its vocation as a Holy City of peace and not of violence.

+ Fouad Twal, Patriarch of Jerusalem for Latins, October 31, 2014.