didn't leave out politics entirely — calling for an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The trip was part of the Pope's three-day visit to the Middle East with the purpose

of improving ties with the Orthodox Church. (Via ABC)

BBC reports Palestinians were pleased he was the first Pope to travel directly to the Palestinian

territories rather than passing through Israel first — a move some analysts consider his

way of recognizing the Palestinian state.

And notably, the Pope has referred to the region as "the State of Palestine" — a term

both the U.S. and Israel reject.

"If you talk to his aides, they say that he visited with the head of the State of Palestine,

President Mahmoud Abbas​. And he's also spent time to highlight the plight of Palestinians."

(Via Al Jazeera)

Israel has historically opposed Palestinian efforts to seek statehood, and Palestine,

in turn, has refused to recognize the Jewish state. (via CBS)

But as CNN notes, the Pontiff called for both sides to band together to find peace in what

he calls an "unacceptable" conflict.

He added, "I can only express my profound hope that all will refrain from initiatives

and actions which contradict the stated desire to reach a true agreement, and that peace

will be pursued."

Now, the official purpose of the trip is for Pope Francis to mend ties with the Orthodox

church and promote Christian unity.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Pope Francis pushed for more Christian communities

in an area where Christians face difficulties for their beliefs and often flee to neighboring

countries.

Pope Francis' first leg of his trip began in Jordan with many Christian refugees in

attendance when he called attention to Syria's ongoing civil war and urged for a peaceful

solution to the crisis. (Via Rome Reports SaveFrom.net)

Meanwhile, many Jews have been protesting on holy site Mount Zion, the location the

Jewish faith believes to be King David's final resting place, and Christians see as the site

where Jesus held his Last Supper. (Via Flickr / israeltourism)

The Times Of Israel reports those protests have taken an anti-Christian undertone ahead

of the Pope's impending visit and planned mass Sunday, and restraining orders were issued

to ease tensions.

Pope Francis is set to meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Tel Aviv before continuing

on to Jerusalem where he will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unity of the Catholic

and Orthodox churches.