JERUSALEM (CWNews.com) - As the Pope arrived in Jerusalem on the evening of March 21, the Latin-rite Patriarch Michel Sabbah said that «John Paul II has a prophetic voice, and political leaders should listen to him.»
Patriarch Sabbah, who is an Arab himself, made a particularly forceful statement on the status of Jerusalem-- a bone of contention between Israel and the Holy See. He remarked that «religious freedom is not adequate» in the city. The Patriarch argued that «everyone, Israeli or Palestinian, should have the same rights; no one should have the impression that he is not welcome in Jerusalem.»
The Patriarch continued by observing that while Pope John Paul does not speak in political terms, he carries «a message of truth and of justice» that should guide politicians.
Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update