The three-day pilgrimage of Pope Francis to the Middle East was replete with symbolism. On the way to Bethlehem in the West Bank the papal entourage made an unscheduled stop beside the security barrier that separates Israel and the Palestine territories. Built in 2002, the eight-meter-high concrete wall has long been denounced by the Palestinians as an instrument of Israeli oppression, and has remained a prickly issue during talks to resolve ancient enmities in the Holy Land.

The 77-year-old Pope walked to the wall, pressed his head against it, and made a silent prayer. No words were needed to convey the pontiff’s thoughts. The gesture said it all.

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