Pope Leo XIV has joined the Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchs of Jerusalem in calling for an end to the war in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to reach civilians freely.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Pope recalled last week’s global Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace and urged the international community to act decisively to halt the conflict.
“I renew a strong appeal both to the parties involved and to the international community, that an end be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death,” he said.
Pope Leo demanded the release of hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the safe entry of humanitarian assistance. He stressed that international law must be respected, including prohibitions against forced displacement, collective punishment, and indiscriminate force.
The Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III had issued a joint appeal a day earlier, saying “there has been enough devastation” and urging an end to the cycle of violence.
Both Patriarchs visited Gaza in July, following an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church that killed three people. They said Christian churches in Gaza have sheltered hundreds since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.
