In an exclusive interview with Famiglia Cristiana, the 91-year-old former two-term prime minister of Israel, Shimon Peres, said he wanted to establish an international body representing the world's major religions, as a moral force able to intervene in conflicts. Peres said Pope Francis would be the best person to head such a world body because "perhaps for the first time in history, the Holy Father is a leader who's respected, not just by a lot of people, but also by different religions and their representatives."
"In fact, perhaps he is the only leader who is truly respected" in the world, said Peres.   

 "What we need is an unquestionable moral authority who says out loud, 'No. God doesn't want this and doesn't allow it,' ” he said.