By Catherine Male
Newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has issued a passionate plea for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging both Israel and Hamas to fully uphold international humanitarian law.
“In the Gaza Strip, the anguished cries rise ever more to Heaven, from mothers and fathers clutching the lifeless bodies of their children,” the Pope said during his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The appeal follows a dramatic rush on an aid distribution centre in Gaza on Tuesday, May 27, where thousands of Palestinians gathered after an 11-week Israeli blockade of the war-ravaged enclave. The blockade, imposed in March, was justified by Israel on grounds that Hamas had been diverting aid intended for civilians, an allegation the militant group denies.
“To those responsible, I renew my appeal: stop the fighting. Release all the hostages and respect humanitarian law,” Pope Leo declared.
The Pope also turned his attention to Ukraine, condemning fresh attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. “I renew with urgency my call to end the war and to support every initiative of dialogue and peace,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace echo those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was both praised and criticised for his outspoken condemnation of Israel’s military y operations in Gaza.
