Pope Leo XIV urged Israel on May 21st to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, expressing concern over the crisis in the enclave, Middle East Eye reported.
In St. Peter’s Square, the pope stressed the necessity to end the conflict. He emphasised that children, the elderly and the ill would bear the brunt of the Gaza war.
Leo won the enclave, The Guardian reported on May 8th, as the Catholic Church’s first American pope. He quickly made peace a key focus of his leadership, urging a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He addressed 100,000 pilgrims from the basilica balcony in St. Peter’s Square and made a statement. The 69-year-old proclaimed “Evil will not prevail,” and encouraged people to “build bridges” for peace.
Speaking in both Italian and Spanish, Leo XIV also shared a message meant for the international community. He stated: “Peace be with you. A disarmed, disarming, humble peace…God loves us all, unconditionally.”
The new pope stepped into leadership amid global turmoil, as wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan continue. Pressing matters like migration, climate action, religious liberty, and human rights remain unresolved.
The pope said: “I renew my heartfelt appeal … to allow for the entry of fair humanitarian help and to bring to an end the hostilities.” This week, Israel has enabled more aid to reach Gaza, following international pressure, CBS reported on May 21st.
The pope addressed the crisis during his weekly gathering. He stated “The situation in the Gaza Strip is worrying and painful.”
Gaza’s health ministry reports over 53,500 Palestinians killed in Israel’s military campaign, including many women and children.
Middle East Eye, CBS, The Guardian
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