Pope Leo has issued a “strong appeal” to the international community to end the nearly two-year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages held in Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian access to those in need.
“Once again, I make a strong appeal… that an end be brought to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death,” the Pontiff said during his weekly address to the faithful at the Vatican.
He further urged:“I beg for the release of all hostages, the achievement of a permanent ceasefire, the facilitation of safe entry of humanitarian aid, and the full respect of international humanitarian law.”
Although Pope Leo did not explicitly name either Israel or Hamas, he emphasized the fundamental principles of international law: “International law mandates the protection of civilians, the prohibition of collective punishment, indiscriminate violence, and the forced displacement of populations.”
Pope Leo, the first American-born Pope, has adopted a noticeably different style from his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, often delivering carefully prepared statements rather than spontaneous remarks.
He has also struck a more measured tone on the Israel-Hamas conflict than Francis, who sparked controversy last year after suggesting that the international community should consider whether Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounted to genocide against the Palestinian people—comments that drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials.
Source: ANA-MPA
