Pope Leo Condemns Harsh Conditions in Gaza, Urges Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict

In a public address at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Leo voiced strong condemnation of the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, describing the situation as "unacceptable." He expressed profound solidarity with civilians caught in the ongoing conflict and reinforced his plea for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.\n\n"I express my deep closeness to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who continue to live in fear and survive in unacceptable conditions, forced once again to leave their land," the pope stated during his weekly general audience.\n\nThe remarks come amid a significant escalation in violence, as Israel launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday. This assault has displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, many fleeing under what locals report as the heaviest bombardment experienced in two years.\n\nPope Leo reiterated his calls for a truce, the release of hostages currently held in Gaza, and a negotiated diplomatic solution to end the hostilities. He appealed to the global faithful to join him in prayer, hoping "that a dawn of peace and justice may soon arise."\n\nSince his election in May as the first U.S.-born pope, Leo has increasingly emphasized the urgency of halting the conflict in Gaza. Earlier this month, he met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican, where he expressed sorrow over the ongoing crisis in Gaza during a rare extended statement issued by the Vatican following their discussion.