Pope Francis Praises Gaza Ceasefire, Welcomes Cuba’s Prisoner Releases

Vatican City, January 20, 2025: During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the recently enacted Gaza ceasefire agreement, called for its immediate adherence, and applauded Cuba’s decision to release 553 prisoners in the spirit of the Jubilee Year. Addressing thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square and those following from afar, the Pope emphasized the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza and prayed for global reconciliation.

The Holy Father began his address by praising the mediators who facilitated the Gaza ceasefire, highlighting its importance in creating a pathway for peace. “I hope that what has been agreed will be respected immediately by the parties and that all the hostages may finally return home and embrace their loved ones,” he said. He also called for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Both the Israelis and the Palestinians need clear signs of hope,” he said, urging political authorities in both nations to take the assistance of the international community and foster dialogue, reconciliation, and peace. “May everyone say: yes to dialogue, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace,” he appealed.

Turning his attention to Cuba, Pope Francis welcomed the Cuban government’s announcement to release prisoners in what Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described as a gesture “in the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025.” Calling it “a gesture of great hope,” the pontiff said, “I hope that in the coming months, we will continue to undertake more initiatives of this kind, which instill confidence in the journey of people and populations.”

Finally, the Pope urged prayers during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, from January 18-25. "In these days of prayer for Christian unity," Pope Francis insisted, "let us not cease to invoke from God the precious gift of full communion between all the Lord’s disciples." He also renewed calls for peace in Ukraine, Myanmar, and other war-torn regions, stating, “Let us pray always for tormented Ukraine, for Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, and all the populations who are suffering because of war.”

Pope Francis concluded his address by wishing everyone a blessed Sunday.

Courtesy: Vatican News