Pope warns of Jerusalem 'spiral of violence'

JERUSALEM – The Vatican says Pope Francis is praying so that "leaders of nations" commit themselves to work to "avert a new spiral of violence" over Jerusalem and is expressing "sorrow for the clashes in recent days that have produced victims."

The US administration's announcement recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital has triggered violence. In a statement Sunday the Holy See recalled Francis's appeal last week for "wisdom and prudence" to prevail and it reiterated its position asserting "the essential need for respecting the status quo" of Jerusalem.

The Vatican statement says only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians can achieve "stable and lasting peace and guarantee the peaceful co-existence of two states within internationally recognized borders." It calls Jerusalem "a sacred city for Christians, Jews and Muslims from all over the world."