JD Vance’s Jerusalem Visit Highlights Peace Efforts
In a recent visit to Jerusalem, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, attended a private mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. His visit underscored the importance of peace, particularly in light of a new ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Reflecting on his experience, Vance tweeted, “What an amazing blessing to have visited the site of Christ’s death and resurrection. I am immensely grateful to the Greek, Armenian, and Catholic priests who care for this most sacred of places.”
As a devout Roman Catholic, Vance expressed appreciation to “the Franciscan monks who celebrated a private mass for my family and many of the Americans working for peace,” highlighting their significant contribution to the Christian faith.
Prior to visiting the historic site, Vance emphasized the significance of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace, linking it to ongoing conflicts in the Holy Land. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump facilitated a peace agreement in the region but warned of potential renewed hostilities if the terms are not respected.
“I hope to go to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which Christians believe is the site that Jesus Christ was crucified in,” Vance stated. He urged people of faith to pray for peace, saying, “I’d ask all people of faith, in particular my fellow Christians, to pray that the Prince of Peace can continue to work a miracle in this region of the world.”
Vance acknowledged the progress made, noting, “I think that we have made incredible strides over the past week. We’re going to have to make a lot more. But I think with your prayers, with God’s providence, and with a very good team behind me, I think we’re going to get it done.”
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, dating back to the 4th century A.D., has a storied history. Constructed under Emperor Constantine I, it marks the believed location of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The original edifice was built over a Roman temple to Venus and has since been a focal point in Christian history, notably during the First Crusade following its destruction by Islamic Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim in A.D. 1009.
Vance’s visit coincided with his criticism of an Israeli parliamentary vote on the annexation of the West Bank, which he deemed an “insult” to the peace efforts spearheaded by the Trump administration. According to the Associated Press, Vance remarked, “I personally take some insult to it,” in response to the narrowly passed vote.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed the Knesset’s decision as a “political stunt” and “a deliberate political provocation by the opposition to sow discord,” indicating the vote is unlikely to have lasting impact.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
