After the Angelus another Papal plea for Holy Land ceasefire

 

A view of the remains of a mosque and houses destroyed by Israeli strikes in the central Gaza Strip 

POPE

• ISRAEL
• PALESTINE
• PEACE
• WAR
• ANGELUS

Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in the Holy Land

Pope Francis prays for an end to the violence in the Holy Land, especially in Gaza where a humanitarian catastrophe has unfolded, as well as for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire in the Holy Land. Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square for his Sunday Angelus, the Holy Father invited everyone to "continue to pray ... for the serious situation in Palestine and Israel". In particular, he asked that humanitarian aid be allowed to enter Gaza and that all hostages be freed.  

The situation in Gaza has intensified over the last few days. Over 7,200 people are confirmed dead since 7 October, after Hamas carried out a deadly attack on Israel, which responded with bombardments and a ground invasion.

"Let there be a ceasefire", urged the Pope. "War is always a defeat - always, always".

"May no one abandon the possibility that the weapons might be silenced."