Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Gaza, End to Israeli Blockade on Aid
Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the Israeli blockade of aid on Sunday in his first Sunday blessing since being elected pontiff last week.
“I am deeply pained by what is happening [in Gaza,” Leo said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. “Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released.”
The pope also called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying, “I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible.”
