Pope Leo demands Gaza ceasefire, prisoner exchange deal
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Pope Leo XIV appeals for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of captives, and urgent humanitarian aid.
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Pope Leo XIV delivers the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (AP)
Pope Leo made a strong appeal to the global community, calling for an end to the nearly two-year war on Gaza, urging a permanent ceasefire, the release of captives held in Gaza, and the provision of humanitarian aid in his Wednesday address.
"I once again issue a strong appeal ... so that an end may be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death," the pope stated during his weekly audience.
"I implore that all hostages be freed, that a permanent ceasefire be reached, that the safe entry of humanitarian aid be facilitated, and that international humanitarian law be fully respected," he added.
The pope further stated that international law mandates the protection of civilians and prohibits both collective punishment and the indiscriminate use of force, as well as the forced displacement of any population.
Not first appeal
During the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo on July 20, Pope Leo XIV issued a forceful condemnation of the war on Gaza, denouncing its barbarity and calling for an immediate end to hostilities while also pleading for a peaceful resolution to the war.
The pontiff, having personally contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the latest escalation, expressed profound sorrow regarding the recent Israeli strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church, stating, “This act, unfortunately, adds to the ongoing military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza” and underscoring the mounting toll on civilians and sacred sites.
On July 17, the Holy Family Church, which was sheltering around 600 displaced Palestinians, mostly children and individuals with special needs, became the site of a deadly Israeli strike that killed three people and wounded a priest.
"It is time to stop this slaughter," Pope Leo stated.
