His calls came during his weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
“From the Gaza Strip we hear rising ever more insistently to the heavens, the cries of mothers and fathers who clutch the lifeless bodies of their children, and who are continually forced to move about in search of a little food and water and safer shelter from bombardments,” the American pontiff said.
Leo also appealed for peace in Ukraine.
He said his thoughts often turn to “the Ukrainian people affected by new serious attacks against civilians and infrastructure”.
“I pledge my closeness and prayers for all the victims, especially children and families,” he said.
“[It’s important] to stop the war and support every initiative for dialogue and peace.”
The pope also asked the faithful “to join in prayer for peace in Ukraine and wherever people are suffering due to war”.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella joined the pope’s calls.
“As Pope Leo XIV pointed out, the children, the elderly, the sick are paying the price,” he said.
“These innocent deaths wound our values and outrage our consciences.
“The legitimate reaction of the Israeli government to a terrible, senseless act of terrorism is taking on dramatic, absolutely unacceptable forms,” he added.
“The bombing must end, humanitarian assistance must resume as soon as possible, respect for international humanitarian law must be restored.”
ANSA
