Jordan's King Abdullah II and Pope Francis today discussed the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, as well as the former's role as custodian of the city's holy sites. The Vatican said the pair had cordial conversations focused above all on the theme of the promotion of peace and stability in the Mideast, with particular reference to the question of Jerusalem. <br/><br/><br/>They discussed the role of the Hashemite Sovereign as Custodian of the Holy Places and pledged to encourage negotiations among the interested parties, as well as promoting inter-religious dialogue.<br/>'<br/>Francis called for respect of the status quo in Jerusalem earlier this month following US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, warning against a new spiral of violence. Abdullah has denounced the Jerusalem announcement as a violation of international rights. Jerusalem, which contains sites considered sacred by Christians, Jews and Muslims, is of huge importance to both Israel and the Palestinians.<br/>'<br/>Trump's recognition of it as the Israeli capital, and his plans to move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv, effectively ignores Palestinian claims on the city and has led to widespread criticism and protest, particularly in the Arab world.

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Pope Francis today discussed the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, as well as the former's role as custodian of the city's holy sites. The Vatican said the pair had cordial conversations focused above all on the theme of the promotion of peace and stability in the Mideast, with particular reference to the question of Jerusalem. <br/><br/>They discussed the role of the Hashemite Sovereign as Custodian of the Holy Places and pledged to encourage negotiations among the interested parties, as well as promoting inter-religious dialogue.<br/><br/>Francis called for respect of the status quo in Jerusalem earlier this month following US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, warning against a new spiral of violence. Abdullah has denounced the Jerusalem announcement as a violation of international rights. <br/><br/>Jerusalem, which contains sites considered sacred by Christians, Jews and Muslims, is of huge importance to both Israel and the Palestinians.<br/>Trump's recognition of it as the Israeli capital, and his plans to move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv, effectively ignores Palestinian claims on the city and has led to widespread criticism and protest, particularly in the Arab world.