Jerusalem “must be a permanent site of search for peace and reconciliation between religions, peoples and cultures,” according to the leader of the Order of Malta.

Grand Master Fra Andrew Bertie made the request in Rome during his annual address.

He asked for an international statute that would allow pilgrims from all over the world to enter Jerusalem.

He said Jerusalem was a city of three religions and at the same time was home to two peoples, the Israelis and Palestinians.

“It is appropriate, therefore, to give it a special status, guaranteed at international level.”