Pope Leo appeals for a halt to the Gaza conflict, expressing sorrow over the loss of young lives.
Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and Ukraine during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday. Expressing deep concern for the escalating violence, the pope appealed to the leaders of both Israel and Hamas to put an end to the hostilities and abide by international humanitarian law.
In a poignant appeal for compassion, the pontiff said, "The cries of mourning in Gaza are being heard ever louder by Heaven, coming from mothers and fathers who weep for their dead children." He urged those responsible for the continued violence to halt the fighting, release the hostages, and adhere strictly to humanitarian law.
The pope's focus on Gaza follows an 11-week Israeli blockade of the territory, which has increased tensions in the region. Israel has imposed the blockade on aid supplies, accusing Hamas of seizing essential supplies intended for civilians. Thousands of Palestinians gathered at an aid distribution site in Gaza on Tuesday, desperate for essential support.
Pope Leo's concerns for Gaza follow a pattern of increased criticism of Israel's military campaign by his predecessor, Pope Francis, in the months leading up to his death. In just his third week as pontiff, Leo has already made several references to the conflict, advocating for increased humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
During the same address, the pope also spoke about the situation in Ukraine, where he condemned recent attacks on civilians and infrastructure. Expressing his gratitude for the support of peace initiatives, Leo called for unwavering commitment to ending the war and encouraging dialogue among all parties.
The pope's statements come as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, following a Hamas-led attack on communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The assault, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages, prompted Israel's response. The prolonged conflict has already claimed over 54,000 Palestinian lives and reduced much of the coastal enclave to rubble.
Throughout his address, Pope Leo XIV demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting peace and alleviating suffering in conflict zones, echoing the broader objectives of the Vatican in its efforts to promote dialogue and reduce violence worldwide.
[1] https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11-02-pope-calls-for-peace-ceasefire-in-gaza/[2] https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/02/middleeast/pope-appeal-gaza-intl-hnk-intl/index.html[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-leo-discusses-peace-ukraine-state-visit-uk-2023-10-28/[4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62343661.94885d77d7a742f8dfd694ff42a9a333
- Pope Leo XIV, during his address, expressed his concern not only for the ongoing conflict in Gaza but also the escalating war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, advocating for immediate ceasefires and adherence to international humanitarian law in both regions.
- In light of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the pope emphasized the importance of ensuring food and essential supplies reach civilians in Gaza, stating that the 11-week Israeli blockade has exacerbated the already dire situation.
- In addition to addressing the pressing issues of war-and-conflicts and humanitarian crises, Pope Leo XIV also touched upon broader concerns such as politics and business, underscoring the need for dialogue and cooperation to ensure general-news is reported with accuracy and compassion.
