Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt plea to Israel, urging the government to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza as the humanitarian crisis deepens. Speaking during his weekly address at St. Peter’s Square, the pope described the situation as increasingly “distressing and tragic.”
“I renew my passionate appeal for the entry of necessary humanitarian aid and an end to the violence — a burden that falls heaviest on children, the elderly, and the sick,” Pope Leo stated.
Elected on May 8 to succeed the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost — has repeatedly addressed the Gaza conflict since the start of his papacy. On May 11, during his first Sunday message, he called for an immediate ceasefire and demanded the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
While Israel announced plans to allow aid into Gaza on Monday after an 11-week blockade, the United Nations reported that no supplies had reached the population as of Tuesday.
The Pope’s call follows growing international concern. On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer suspended free trade talks with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the ongoing military offensive.
Israel has pledged to intensify its operations against Hamas and gain full control of Gaza. The war, which began after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, has left the region in ruins. Israel maintains that its blockade is necessary to prevent aid from being diverted by militants — a claim Hamas denies.