Mahmoud Abbas briefed the pope on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held a phone call with Pope Francis, during which he was reassured of his health condition and wished him continued health and wellness. The president briefed the pope on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, especially in the occupied city of Jerusalem, the official Wafa news agency reported. He also briefed Pope Francis on the attacks on Christian and Islamic sanctities, especially in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Israeli practices of expelling Palestinians from their homes in the neighborhoods of Jerusalem, assaulting their property, and daily killings, particularly the case of slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The Pope thanked the president for inquiring about his health, indicating that he is in good health, and stressed the importance of peace and tranquility prevailing in the Holy Land, and Jerusalem in particular. The pope said he was greatly concerned about the Israeli measures in Jerusalem, adding that he feels the pain of the Palestinian people in the occupied territory. During the call, they discussed the latest developments on the eve of the upcoming visit of US President Joe Biden to the region, and his meeting with Abbas in Bethlehem.