Pope Francis has issued a fervent appeal for urgent humanitarian aid to reach the war-torn region of Gaza, emphasizing the critical need for assistance to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians. In his Sunday noon blessing, the Pontiff also urged both Israel and Hamas to swiftly embrace proposals for a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
Expressing gratitude to Jordan for hosting an upcoming international humanitarian aid conference for Palestinians, Pope Francis stressed the imperative of unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, asserting that no obstacles should impede its provision.
Advocating for a cease-fire agreement, the Pope acknowledged the complexities of negotiations but underscored the importance of immediate acceptance by both sides for the benefit of Palestinians and Israelis alike.
In addition to addressing the situation in Gaza, Pope Francis expressed concern for the ongoing plight of the Ukrainian people, referring to them as “martyred” and highlighting their desperate yearning for peace. He also urged prayers for Myanmar, urging the faithful not to forget the pursuit of peace in that troubled nation.