Pope Francis makes his latest plea for a ceasefire in Gaza, and appeals for “tireless efforts” to end the Israel-Hamas war, lamenting the suffering of the civilian population.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Francis made his latest appeal for an imminent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, during his weekly General Audience in the Vatican, this Wednesday morning of Easter.
Reflecting on the war in the Holy Land, the Pope lamented the tragic news that continues to come from the Middle East.
“I reiterate,” the Holy Father went on to appeal, “my firm request for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”
“I reiterate my firm request for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”
The Holy Father went on to express his “deep regret” for the volunteers killed while engaged in the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and reassured them of his prayers for them and their families.
Appeal for exhausted and suffering civilian population
“I renew,” he continued, “the appeal for the exhausted and suffering civilian population, to be allowed access to humanitarian aid and for the hostages to be released immediately.”
“I renew the appeal for the exhausted and suffering civilian population, to be allowed access to humanitarian aid and for the hostages to be released immediately.””
“Let us avoid any irresponsible attempts to escalate the conflict in the region,” he added, calling for “working tirelessly for an end to this and other wars that continue to bring death and suffering to so many parts of the world.”
The Holy Father concluded the appeal by calling on the faithful to join him in prayer, and in working “tirelessly” for “the silence of weapons and the return of peace.”
Pope Francis had also made an impassioned plea for a ceasefire in the Strip in his Urbi et Orbi address on Easter Sunday.
Pope Francis at General Audience