Pope Francis advocated Sunday for “free” access to the holy places in Jerusalem, where in recent days clashes between Muslim worshipers and Israeli forces have left dozens injured on the esplanade of the Mosques.

“That the Israelis, the Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the Holy City, together with the pilgrims, may experience the beauty of peace, live in brotherhood and freely access the Holy Places, mutually respecting the rights of each one”, the pope said in the traditional Easter Sunday “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, delivered from the balcony of St. Peter’s Square Basilica.

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