During his first general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 21, 2025, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the beleaguered Gaza Strip. Describing the hunger crisis as "heart-rending," he urged for an end to the hostility that is impacting vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and the sick.
The call comes shortly after leaders from Britain, Canada, and France voiced similar requests for increased aid to Gaza, following a breakdown of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in March. The Pope, who took office on May 8, has consistently addressed the grievous humanitarian situation and has previously asked for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
Echoing his first statements, the Pope's urgent plea for "dignified humanitarian aid" resonated deeply with the crowd of around 40,000 attendees, who reacted with applause. He reiterated, “Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed," underlining the ongoing suffering stemming from the conflict.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue focusing on vital global issues during his pontificate, advocating for peace and relief in crisis-stricken areas.
The call comes shortly after leaders from Britain, Canada, and France voiced similar requests for increased aid to Gaza, following a breakdown of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in March. The Pope, who took office on May 8, has consistently addressed the grievous humanitarian situation and has previously asked for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
Echoing his first statements, the Pope's urgent plea for "dignified humanitarian aid" resonated deeply with the crowd of around 40,000 attendees, who reacted with applause. He reiterated, “Let humanitarian aid be provided to the stricken civil population, and let all the hostages be freed," underlining the ongoing suffering stemming from the conflict.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue focusing on vital global issues during his pontificate, advocating for peace and relief in crisis-stricken areas.
