Catholic News Service: on Foreign Policy

Donald Trump: Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Trump drew warnings from Middle Eastern and European leaders that overturning the United States' long-standing policy would further complicate peace negotiations.

The internationally unsettled status of Jerusalem and its central importance to Jews, Muslims and Christians explains why, while recognizing the state of Israel, no nation has its embassy in the holy city.

Pope Francis: Declaring Jerusalem as Israel's capital destabilizes Mideast

The pope spoke at the end of his weekly general audience Dec. 6, the same day Trump announced his decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, fulfilling a promise he made during his presidential campaign.

The Vatican supports a "two-state solution" for the Holy Land with independence, recognition and secure borders for both Israel and Palestine. In his appeal, Pope Francis said, "Jerusalem is a unique city, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims who venerate the holy places of their respective religions, and has a special vocation to peace."

Hillary Clinton: All countries should recognize non-state-run religions

"Like all human beings and all human rights, they are our birthright by the mere fact of us being who we are--thinking, acting human beings--men and women alike. They are not granted to us by any government. Rather, it is the responsibility of government to protect them."

Clinton went on to identify two types of religious persecution she said is pervasive in intolerant countries. The first, secular government's refusal to recognize non-state-run religions, is epitomized by China appointing its own Catholic bishops and refusing to recognize bishops appointed by the Vatican. The second is a government's refusal to defuse religious tensions within its own borders, such as in Burma.

Hillary Clinton: Egypt's Muslim government should recognize Coptic Christians

Clinton called that rationale the "tyranny of the majority" and explained the necessity of human rights protections in constitutions. Democracy, she explained, cannot exist without religious freedom. "Genuine democracies use principles to guide power and to protect the rights of citizens equally," said Clinton.

One area struggling with the question of democracy is Egypt and its new Muslim Brotherhood-run government. Coptic Christians, which make up 10 percent of the nation's population, fear implementation of Shariah, or Islamic law. Clinton, who had recently visited Egypt, said President Mohammed Morsi has promised to place women and Christians in high-ranking government positions.

Barack Obama: Haiti earthquake: Americans unite in times of trouble

He cited the work being done in Haiti by military personnel, by Catholic Relief Services, World Relief, American Jewish World Service; and by Hindu temples, mainline Protestants, African-American churches, Sikhs and "by Americans of every faith, and no faith, uniting around a common purpose, a higher purpose."

"It's inspiring," said Obama. "This is what we do, as Americans, in times of trouble. We unite, recognizing that such crises call on all of us to act, recognizing that there but for the grace of God go I, recognizing that life's most sacred responsibility ... is to sacrifice something of ourselves for a person in need."