Pope Francis on Sunday renewed a call for "wisdom and prudence" over the controversial US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

"The Holy Father renews his appeal for the wisdom and prudence of everyone, and raises fervent prayers so that the leaders of nations, at this serious moment, commit themselves to avert a new spiral of violence," a statement from the Vatican said.

Last Wednesday, in an appeal at the end of his weekly general audience, Francis called for all to honour United Nations resolutions on the city, which is sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

"I make a heartfelt appeal so that all commit themselves to respecting the status quo of the city, in conformity with the pertinent resolutions of the United Nations," he said.