"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces'" (Psalm 122:6-7).
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces'" (Psalm 122:6-7).
The city of Jerusalem continues to be a focal point during the current peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis. Both sides lay claim to sovereignty over the city which is holy to the three world monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Israelis of all political persuasions insist that a united Jerusalem will be the eternal capital of the Jewish state-come what may.
In contrast, Palestinians insist that partial control must be ceded to an Arab authority as part of a comprehensive peace settlement. Part of the city is already controlled by Palestinians and some speculate that a building under construction in east Jerusalem will serve as the capital building for the future Arab government.
Last month's failed talks at Camp David broke down largely over the issue of the future status of Jerusalem. Both Ehud Barak and Yassir Arafat knew they could not bargain away their positions on the city and hope to effect a peace settlement with their peoples.
On July 23 Pope John Paul II spoke out on the religious importance of Jerusalem. From his summer home in Castel Gandolfo he urged the parties, "not to overlook the importance of the spiritual dimension of the city of Jerusalem...." The pontiff added, "The Holy See continues to maintain that only a special, internationally guaranteed statute can effectively preserve the most sacred parts of the Holy City and ensure freedom of belief and worship for all believers who, in the region and throughout the world, see Jerusalem as the crossroads of peace and coexistence" ( L'Osservatore Romano , July 26, 2000).
The Vatican, as a sovereign entity and in the interest of peace, could offer its unique services to resolve this generational conflict between the descendants of Abraham. Daniel 9:26-27 clearly shows that at the time of the end conflict over religious issues will play a critical role in the stability of this city.
