Abbas, Peres Accept Francis' Invite to Pray

Pope makes a breakthrough in visit to Bethlehem
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 25, 2014 6:07 AM CDT
Abbas, Peres Accept Francis' Invite to Pray
Pope Francis prays at Israel's separation barrier on his way to a mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Sunday, May 25, 2014. Francis called the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate "unacceptable"...   (Ariel Schalit)

The offices of the Israeli and Palestinian presidents are confirming that they have accepted an invitation from Pope Francis to visit the Vatican together next month. At the end of an open-air Mass in the biblical town of Bethlehem today, Francis invited the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to the Vatican to pray for peace. The offices of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres both said they would attend.

The 90-year-old Peres, who is stepping down this summer, has been a fervent supporter of Mideast peace efforts. His decision risks upsetting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is angry about outreach efforts by other politicians at a time when Abbas is reconciling with the Islamic militant group Hamas.

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