Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Pope Francis condemns 'Israel's' actions in Gaza as 'shameful'

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 9 Jan 2025 21:51
3 Min Read

In his address, the pope condemned the bombing of civilians, referencing the dire conditions in Gaza where electricity is scarce, and winter cold has claimed lives.

Listen
  • x
  • Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
    Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, January 8, 2025. (AP)

Pope Francis on Thursday intensified his criticism of "Israel's" genocidal campaign in Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis in the sector as "very serious and shameful" during an annual address to Vatican-accredited diplomats on Thursday. The remarks were delivered on his behalf by an aide, as the 88-year-old pontiff recovers from a cold.

In his address, the pope condemned the bombing of civilians, referencing the dire conditions in Gaza where electricity is scarce, and winter cold has claimed lives. "We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians," the speech read. "We cannot accept that children are freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed or a country's energy network has been hit."

The address, which is often referred to as the pope's "state of the world" speech, included a wide range of global concerns. Francis also condemned anti-Semitism, calling the rise of anti-Semitic groups "a source of deep concern," and urged an end to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has caused widespread devastation and loss of life.

"My wish for the year 2025 is that the entire international community will work above all to end the conflict that, for almost three years now, has caused so much bloodshed," the pope said, referring to the Ukraine war. He also highlighted other global conflicts in countries such as Sudan, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Nicaragua.

Read more: Pope Francis condemns Kiev's ban on Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The pope's remarks follow a recent escalation in his criticism of "Israel's" actions in Gaza, including a suggestion that the international community examine whether the campaign against Hamas could constitute genocide. This statement provoked backlash, with an Israeli minister publicly denouncing the pope's comments in December.

Related News

Palestinians are being massacred by US-German weapons: Iran's Baghaei

Dozens of Palestinians killed in Gaza as IOF resume onslaught

Beyond addressing conflicts, Francis reiterated his calls for urgent action on climate change and expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation through social media.

Pope's plea for peace

The pope has consistently advocated for a ceasefire in the embattled Strip. Reflecting on the scale of the ongoing genocide, he remarked that the war has become "too much."

In his annual Christmas message last month, Pope Francis urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He expressed his concern for the Christian communities in the region, particularly in Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated significantly.

"I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave. May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war," he said.

Read more: Pope slams 'cruelty' of Israeli strike killing Gaza children

The pontiff extended his plea for peace to Sudan, which has been gripped by a brutal civil war for nearly two years, leaving millions at risk of famine. 

"May the Son of the Most High sustain the efforts of the international community to facilitate access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Sudan and to initiate new negotiations for a ceasefire," he said.

  • genocide in Gaza
  • Catholic Church
  • Pope Francis
  • Vatican
  • Gaza
War on Gaza

War on Gaza

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS