Pope Francis Wants 'holistic approach' to Middle East, UN Security Council Told

According to the Vatican diplomat, Pope Francis is concerned about the continued “silence and indifference” on the situation in Yemen, “one of the most serious humanitarian crises of recent history,” saying that lack of international attention could allow further suffering and loss of life.

Hansen also relayed that the Holy See is continuing to advocate for the status quo policy of Jerusalem, which concerns the state of shared religious sites between Christian denominations as well as those shared with the Islamic and Jewish religions. 

“Indeed, the appeal to maintain the status quo of the holy sites of Jerusalem, dear to Jews, Christians and Muslims in virtue of their religion and important for the cultural heritage of the whole human family, is one that has been repeatedly made,” said Hansen. 

Pope Francis, he said, wishes for Jerusalem to live out “its vocation as a city of peace,” which can be a symbolic location of peace and encounter, with respect between religions and continued dialogue. 

Hansen remarked that earlier this month, Pope Francis called for the international community to recommit to the peace process between Israel and Palestine. 

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“What Pope Francis recently stated with regard to Israel and Palestine could apply to the wider region, and indeed across the world,” said Hansen, noting that it is nearly the 75th anniversary of the United Nations’ founding but, despite its goals, peace and security remains a worldwide concern. 

The Holy See has a “steadfast commitment to peace and support for all initiatives that strive to ensure the placement of negotiated solutions,” said Hansen. 

“To this end, the Holy See encourages all parties to promote open and constructive dialogue based on the principles upon which this organization was built 75 years ago.”