Pope says walls and occupation hamper Mideast peace

Bari (Italy): Pope Francis led a summit of Christian leaders on how to promote peace in the Middle East on Saturday and said building walls and occupying territories would not resolve conflict in the region.
Francis also repeated his view that the "status quo" of the contested city of Jerusalem should be respected, and backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
Francis convened the summit in the southern Italian city of Bari that for centuries has been a gateway to the Middle East and home to the relics of St. Nicholas.
"Truces maintained by walls and displays of power will not lead to peace, but only the concrete desire to listen and to engage in dialogue will," he said in his second speech of the day, after a private meeting among the religious leaders.
"Let there be an end to the few profiting from the sufferings of many. No more occupying territories and thus tearing people apart," he said.
Israel says its fence-and-concrete barrier on the West Bank was built as a bulwark against Palestinian attacks while Palestinians say it is a land grab that may deny them a state.
Francis said every community in the Middle East should be protected, "not simply the majority".