Pope Francis made a plea for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the wider Middle East region during his noon prayer at the Vatican on March 3. He also called for negotiations to continue in order to secure the release of hostages taken in the Hamas attack on Israel and to provide humanitarian aid to the suffering Palestinians in Gaza.
The Pope expressed his deep concern for the ongoing hostilities in Palestine and Israel, which have resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries, and displacements, as well as widespread destruction. He questioned whether this cycle of violence was truly conducive to building a better world and achieving peace.
Francis highlighted the toll of death and destruction since the initial Hamas attack on Israel, which led to numerous casualties and hostages being taken. He emphasized the need for negotiations to secure the release of hostages and ensure access to essential humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza.
The Pope’s call for a cease-fire echoed similar appeals from over 150 countries around the world. However, efforts to pass a resolution at the United Nations Security Council have been blocked by the United States using its veto power.
In conclusion, Pope Francis asked the crowd to also pray for the people of Ukraine, who are facing a devastating war. His appeal for an immediate cease-fire aligned with a statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, urging all parties to reach a ceasefire and facilitate the distribution of relief supplies in Gaza.America Magazine
