Prayers for Israel and Palestine, a region ‘aching for peace’

Pope Francis called on Israel and Palestine to “break the spiral of hatred and violence”, during an unprecedented prayer meeting at the Vatican.

Shimon Peres, the Israeli ­president, and Mahmoud Abbas, his Palestinian counterpart, joined Francis for Jewish, Christian and Muslim prayers in the Vatican gardens last Sunday, before planting an olive tree.

The Pope had unexpectedly invited the two leaders to “visit his home” during his recent visit to the Holy Land.

Talks between Israel and Palestine broke down in April with each side attributing blame to the other. On the day, the leaders embraced warmly. But despite the cordial atmosphere, issues that have blighted the peace process for decades quickly reared their head. Both presidents set a territorial tone in their addresses by asserting the significance of Jerusalem to their faith.

All three monotheistic religions lay claim to Jerusalem as their holy city, although usually during peace talks any mention of the issue is avoided.

However, Mr Peres referred to Jerusalem as “the beating heart of the Jewish people”. Mr Abbas, for his part, offered praise to God “for making Jerusalem our gate to Heaven”.

Despite the antagonistic start, it did seem that both leaders were there to walk the extra mile. Mr Peres said that Francis had emerged as “a bridge-builder” who had moved people of all faiths in the Middle East. He said that both Israelis and Palestinians were “aching for peace”.

Mr Abbas called for a “comprehensive and just peace” so that the Middle East would “enjoy the fruit of peace, stability and coexistence.” The Vatican has insisted that Francis was not attempting to mediate in the conflict. And indeed there seemed to be a sense on all sides that mankind had been defeated and that God’s help was needed.

Francis said: “History teaches that our own powers do not suffice. More than once we have been on the verge of peace, but the devil … has succeeded in blocking it. That is why we are here, because we know that we need the help of God.”