Pope Francis to pray with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on June 8

The Vatican has announced the official scheduling of a special prayer meeting for peace with Pope Francis, Israeli President Shimon Peres, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday, June 8.

The Pope extended the invitation for a prayer meeting during his recent visit to the region. The meeting will take place at the Vatican.

Also during his visit, Pope Francis made a number of gestures that were widely seen as a public boost to the Palestinian cause, such as making a direct reference to "the state of Palestine," and telling a group of Palestinian children, "I am with you."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up