Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Pope Francis discuss US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Pope Francis have 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.

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.