1997 Jeep Cherokee Slow Cranking

Do you mean it takes a few turn of the keys to get it started or it cranks slow like it has a weak battery

Battery could be low-get it load tested to identify if its in good condition and battery connections must be cleaned/tightened properly then report back your findings so we can continue.

The fuel pump has nothing to do with cranking the engine over-Now if its cranking over and refusing to start we can blame the fuel pump as the problem