Pope Leo XIV appeals for Gaza: 'Allow aid to enter, end the hostilities'

Vatican City, May 22, 2025 — In a heartfelt appeal during his first General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV called on the international community to allow immediate humanitarian aid into Gaza and to bring an end to the ongoing hostilities. The Pope made the plea towards the end of his address, highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region and urging action to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

“The situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly worrying and painful,” Pope Leo XIV said. “I renew my appeal to allow the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostilities, whose heartbreaking price is paid by the children, the elderly, and the sick.” He added that the situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly worrying and painful.

His comments come amid growing concern from global organisations over the escalating emergency in Gaza. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the United Nations, has issued warnings of an imminent famine. Aid agencies report that the humanitarian crisis has reached a critical point, exacerbated by Israeli airstrikes on May 20 that resulted in numerous civilian deaths, including children.

Since October 2023, continued military operations have killed tens of thousands, while the destruction of infrastructure has displaced countless families. Although Israel has allowed a limited number of aid trucks into the region, international criticism has intensified, with widespread calls for the easing of aid restrictions and an end to the military campaign.

Pope Leo XIV’s appeal adds to the growing chorus of global voices calling for an end to the conflict and for immediate relief efforts to be facilitated in the besieged enclave.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Courtesy: Vatican News