Pope advocates two-state solution

vatican city - Pope Francis has argued in his Christmas message for a two-state solution to put an end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The church prince expressed from the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica the hope that the parties could settle their disputes peacefully.

'Let us pray that the parties find the will to resume a dialogue and that a solution can be found in negotiations', Francis said to many tens of thousands of listeners.

'A solution that allows two states to coexist peacefully within mutually agreed and recognized borders by the international community. '