His Holiness Francis Calls for a Ceasefire in the Holy Land

A view of the remains of a mosque and houses destroyed by [Israeli] strikes in the central Gaza Strip

His Holiness Pope Francis prays for an end to the violence in the Holy Land, especially in Gaza where a humanitarian catastrophe has unfolded, as well as for the release of [Israeli] hostages held by Hamas.

By Francesca Merlo

His Holiness Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire in the Holy Land. Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square for his Sunday Angelus, the Holy Father invited everyone to "continue to pray ... for the serious situation in Palestine and [Israel]". In particular, he asked that humanitarian aid be allowed to enter Gaza and that all hostages be freed.  

The situation in Gaza has intensified over the last few days. Over 7,200 people are confirmed dead since 7 October, after Hamas carried out a deadly attack on [Israel], which responded with bombardments and a ground invasion.

The Holy Father quoted Father Ibrahim Faltas, the Egyptian Franciscan vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land in Jerusalem, who recently spoke on the Italian television programme A Sua Immagine (In his image). I listened to him and he said "cease fire, cease fire", explained the Pontiff.

"We too, like Father Ibrahim, say cease fire", said His Holiness Pope Francis, adding "stop, brothers and sisters: war is always a defeat—always, always!"

This news was originally published on the website of Vatican News.