In an emotional start to his papacy, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, fervently advocating for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza amid a worsening crisis. He described the hunger situation as "heart-rending" and implored leaders to facilitate the entry of necessary assistance while urging an end to ongoing hostilities.
His remarks resonated with the crowd as applause erupted following his appeal to protect children, the elderly, and the sick, who are disproportionately affected. The pope's comments followed recent calls from leaders in Britain, Canada, and France urging Israel to increase aid access to Gaza.
The context of his appeal is significant; a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March, which has led to a strict blockade of aid, aimed at pressuring the militant group for the release of hostages. Since his election on May 8, Pope Leo has repeatedly spotlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, taking a strong stance for justice and compassion in his first official message as pope.
"Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed,” he stated recently. His ongoing emphasis on peace and humanitarianism highlights his commitment to addressing prominent global issues.
During the general audience, a tradition signaling the pope's outreach to the faithful, he made this impassioned plea as part of a burgeoning focus on both the Gaza crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With approximately 40,000 attendees, the event stands as a testament to the pope's influential voice in matters of global concern.
His remarks resonated with the crowd as applause erupted following his appeal to protect children, the elderly, and the sick, who are disproportionately affected. The pope's comments followed recent calls from leaders in Britain, Canada, and France urging Israel to increase aid access to Gaza.
The context of his appeal is significant; a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March, which has led to a strict blockade of aid, aimed at pressuring the militant group for the release of hostages. Since his election on May 8, Pope Leo has repeatedly spotlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, taking a strong stance for justice and compassion in his first official message as pope.
"Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed,” he stated recently. His ongoing emphasis on peace and humanitarianism highlights his commitment to addressing prominent global issues.
During the general audience, a tradition signaling the pope's outreach to the faithful, he made this impassioned plea as part of a burgeoning focus on both the Gaza crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With approximately 40,000 attendees, the event stands as a testament to the pope's influential voice in matters of global concern.
