VATICAN CITY - At the end of Wednesday's general audience, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his call for peace in Ukraine, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and renewed efforts to protect children. Pope Leo XIV strongly called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza, the release of all hostages and full respect for humanitarian law.
"From the Gaza Strip," the Pope said, "the cries of mothers and fathers holding the lifeless bodies of their children in their arms, constantly forced to seek some food, water and a safer shelter from the bombardment, are echoing ever more urgently to heaven."
The Pope's appeal was made during Wednesday's general audience, just one day after nearly 50 people were injured while trying to obtain food aid at distribution sites in Gaza. Two weeks ago, the Israeli army launched a major new offensive in the area, which has been a war zone since October 2023, when Palestinian militant groups attacked Israel.
Call for peace in Ukraine
Pope Leo opened his Wednesday address with a call 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 the target of Russian drone and missile attacks in recent days, mainly aimed at civilian targets. The airstrikes on Ukrainian cities are the largest since the Russian invasion of the country began in 2022.
"I commit myself to be close to all victims, especially children and families, and to pray for them," the Pope said during the audience, reiterating his call "to stop the war and to support all initiatives for dialogue and peace". He urged everyone "to join in prayers for peace in Ukraine and everywhere where people are suffering from war."
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