Pope Urges for Prompt End to Hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon

Pope Francis, in his annual address concerning global peace and human dignity, urged for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza and south Lebanon on Monday.

The Pope emphasized the need for releasing hostages in Gaza and restated the Vatican’s stance on achieving a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. He also advocated for Jerusalem to have a special status that is internationally recognized.

Furthermore, Pope Francis denounced the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, labeling it, along with all forms of terrorism and extremism, as condemnable. He noted that this attack prompted a substantial military reaction from Israel, resulting in thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.