Pope calls for ‘status quo’ of Jerusalem to be respected

Pope Francis is calling for the “status quo” of Jerusalem to be “respected” ahead of President Trump’s expected recognition of the city as the capital of Israel.

“I make a heartfelt appeal so that all commit themselves to respecting the status quo of the city, in conformity with the pertinent resolutions of the United Nations,” he said at the end of his weekly general audience on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

“I cannot keep quiet about my deep worry about the situation that has been created in the last few days.”

He added that he wishes “wisdom and prudence prevail, in order to avoid adding new elements of tension to a global panorama that is already convulsed and marked by so many and cruel conflicts.”

Trump is expected to announce Wednesday the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Trump also plans to sign a waiver delaying the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, senior administration officials said. He will, however, direct the State Department to begin the process of moving the embassy.

Trump will make the announcement in a speech Wednesday — which will be closely watched by other world leaders who fear the move will undermine peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and spark protests across the Middle East.

The Vatican supports a two-state solution.

The pope has in the past been critical of some of Trump’s policies.

Last year, he appeared to knock Trump with an appeal to build bridges, not walls. Last month, the pope slammed politicians who spread fear of immigrants, calling on them to stop instigating violence and racism and instead adopt “practical measures” to welcome immigrants into their countries.