Srinagar, April 18 -- Chief cleric of Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while delivering the Friday sermon, hailed the stand of Pope Leo against war, while urging the global religious leaders to unite for peace and justice. Addressing the people at the historic Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz said that this year's Hajj pilgrimage comes amid the turmoil in Middle East. "Hajj pilgrims will begin their blessed journey from tomorrow, prayers are with them for a safe journey and acceptance of their Hajj. This year, their journey comes at a time when the world, especially the Middle East, is going through a deep turmoil. Across the Middle East, especially in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine we are witnessing immense suffering, bloodshed, and uncertainty," he said. He hailed the statements of Pope Leo against war. "The stand taken by the revered Pope Leo is commendable . I appeal to all global religious leaders of all communities to put their weight behind it , calling for global peace and justice for all humanity," he said. "If the long term occupation of Palestinians and resultant injustice is resolved on principles of natural justice and international law -which I believe are the underlying cause of this crisis, it will disappear and viable peace prevail in the region," the Mirwaiz said. Pope Leo, the head of the Catholic Church and the first American to hold such a position, has spoken against the US-Israel war on Iran and has also expressed concern over the Gaza humanitarian crisis. US President Donald Trump has lashed out at the Pope for his stand. Mirwaiz also hailed the efforts of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for their diplomatic efforts to bring peace in the Middle East. "The diplomatic efforts being made by Pakistan supported by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt actively engaged in trying to de-escalate tensions and push for peace is also commendable ," he said....