Pope calls for putting an end to violence in Palestinian territories

Pope John Paul II of the Vatican on Sunday appealed to parties concerned with the middle east to work to put and end to violence, especially after the fighting extended to holy sites, such as the church of the nativity in Bethlehem.

The Spanish news agency quoted the Pope as saying that violence led to destruction. He expressed solidarity with the families of victims of violence.

The pontiff called on Muslims, Christians and Jews living in the Holy lands to work to turn the region a land of peace and fraternity.