Escorted by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, a considerable Israeli security detail and coterie of Muslim and Catholic clerics, Pope Francis ascended the Temple Mount Monday morning – perhaps the most symbolic and contested territory in the Muslim and Jewish divide.


Under a clear blue sky, Francis removed his shoes prior to entering al-Aksa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven. It is also Judaism’s holiest site, where the First Temple and Second Temple were destroyed.


May we respect and love one another as brothers and sisters,” the pope reportedly said during the discussion. “May we learn to understand the suffering of others. May no one abuse the name of God through violence.”


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http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Francis-beseeches-Grand-Mufti-to-disavow-Temple-Mount-strife-354444