Pope Francis visited the Esplanade of Mosques in Jerusalem's old city barefooted. He went to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest place in Islam. There is kept the rock from which Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven. Jews refer to this area as the Temple of Solomon, while Christians see it as the remains of the temple of Jerusalem, visited several times by Jesus.
After his visit, the Pope went to the building of the Great Council.
The Grand Mufti denounced in a speech that Israel does not allow a lot of Muslims to visit their Holy Places. He explained that it could trigger terrible consequences, like a world war.
The President of the Supreme Muslim Council stood for the right of Palestinian people to 'recover their landâ?:
Pope Francis addressed them as 'dear brothersâ? and reminded them that Jews, Christians and Muslims have in Abraham a common father and a good example.
POPE FRANCIS
'Dear friends, from this holy place I make a heartfelt plea to all people and to all communities who look to Abraham: may we respect and love one another as brothers and sisters! May we learn to understand the sufferings of others! May no one abuse the name of God through violence! May we work together for justice and peace! Salaam!â?
The visit was short, but had a lot of significance: it is seen as another step forward in the relations between Catholics and Muslims.
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