 Some scholars believe that when Jerusalem came under Christian rule in the 4th century , there was a purposeful " transference " of respect for the Temple Mount and the Western Wall in terms of sanctity to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , while the sites around the Temple Mount became a refuse dump for Christians . However , the actions of many modern Christian leaders , including Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI , who visited the Wall and left prayer messages in its crevices , have symbolized for many Christians a restoration of respect and even veneration for this ancient religious site . 
