Pope Francis extended an invitation Sunday to the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to travel to the Vatican for a "peace initiative," as he called for a two-state solution to the intractable conflict. The pontiff's remarks came at the end of an outdoor Mass in Bethlehem's Manger Square on the second day of his three-day trip to the Middle East. "In this, the birthplace of the Prince of Peace, I wish to invite you, President Mahmoud Abbas, together with President Shimon Peres, to join me in heartfelt prayer to God for the gift of peace," Francis said. "I offer my home in the Vatican as a place for this encounter of prayer." Pope Francis arrives in Jordan's capital Photos: Pope visits Holy Land Photos: Pope visits Holy Land Pope Francis Pope Francis The Palestinian side has accepted the invitation and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will go to the Vatican.