The Pope's visit to Jerusalem has stirred up ancient rivalries when an intimate Mass was held in the Cenacle on Mount Zion which is venerated by Christians as the room of the Last Supper. While the Pope's visit was meant to be peaceful, Mount Zion is considered holy to Jews and Muslims and therefore has caused competing religion claims to the land and one of the most sensitive issues in the the Middle East conflict. While control of Mount Zion has passed from religion to religion over the years, the Vatican is now seeking increased prayer rights to the Cenacle which is usually devoid of any Christian symbols. The lower room is mostly reserved for Jewish prayer and is basically a synagogue. The Pope's visit has caused opposition to the extension of Christian prayer times. Rumors have also been circulating that the Vatican is trying to buy the Cenacle and that the Pope wants to move to Mount Zion. The rumored transfer of ownership of the Cenacle has been denied.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/27/world/middleeast/mass-planned-on-mount-zion-stirs-ancient-rivalries.html?src=me
-Ambrielle Barker
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