Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza

Desolate mourner besides the bodies of members of the Al-Arabeed family killed in Israeli strikes, at Al Shifa hospital, in Gaza City

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV once again appealed for peace in Ukraine and forcefully called for a ceasefire in Gaza, along with the liberation of hostages and renewed efforts to protect children, and fully respect humanitarian law during his General Audience today.

Speaking just one day after almost 50 people were injured, scrambling to receive the first meagre food aid in over two months at newly-opened distribution sites in Gaza, the Pope said: "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."

Two weeks ago, the Israeli military launched a major new offensive in the area that has been at war since attacks in Israel by Palestinian militant groups in October 2023.

Pope Leo opened his greetings to Italian pilgrims on Wednesday with an appeal for peace in Ukraine, saying his thoughts often turn to "the Ukrainian people affected by new serious attacks against civilians and infrastructure."

Ukraine has been subjected in recent days to onslaughts of Russian drones and missiles aimed primarily at civilian targets. Air raids against Ukrainian cities are the largest since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in 2022.

"I pledge my closeness and prayers for all the victims, especially children and families," the Pope said, while renewing his appeal "to stop the war and to support every initiative for dialogue and peace."

He invited everyone "to join in prayer for peace in Ukraine and wherever people are suffering due to war."