Pope Leo Calls for Ceasefire, Hostages’ Release in Israel-Hamas Conflict
Pope Leo XIV condemned collective punishment and displacement in Gaza, highlighting 251 hostages taken by Hamas and urging respect for international humanitarian law.
- On Aug 27, Pope Leo XIV appealed at the end of his weekly audience for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid access in Gaza.
- The Israel-Hamas war began on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 and took 251 hostages, and Gaza has suffered at least 62,000 Palestinian deaths as Israel prepares a new offensive.
- Clergy and religious staff in Gaza said priests and nuns at Holy Family Catholic church and Saint Porphyrius Orthodox church remain to care for hundreds, many weakened and unable to evacuate to southern Gaza.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will launch a Gaza City offensive while pursuing a ceasefire, with 50 hostages remaining in Gaza and about 20 believed alive by Israeli officials.
- Citing international law, the pope endorsed the Aug. 26 statement by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, urging an end to violence and calling on both sides and international powers to stop the conflict.
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Pope Leo Joins Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem’s Call for Peace in Gaza
Pope Leo XIV. Credit: Ettore Ferrari, ANSA via AMNA Pope Leo XIV has joined the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem in calling for peace in Gaza, urging an end to violence and the protection of civilians. Patriarch Theophilos III, together with Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, August 26. The Patriarchs condemned what they described as the “deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians…
The Pontiff called for the release of hostages, a permanent ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid


Pope Leo calls for ceasefire, hostages' release in Israel-Hamas conflict
Pope Leo made a "strong appeal" to the global community on Wednesday to end the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages held in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid.
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