Pope Leo on Wednesday issued a "strong appeal" to the international community to end the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages held in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid.
"Once again I make a strong appeal ... to put an end to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction and death," the pontiff said in his Sunday address at the Vatican, Reuters reported.
"I ask that all hostages be released, that a permanent ceasefire be achieved, that the safe entry of humanitarian aid be allowed, and that international humanitarian law be fully respected," he said.
The Pope did not directly mention either Israel or the Palestinian Hamas, but said that international law mandates "the obligation to protect civilians, the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of populations."
Leo, the first pope from the United States, was elected by the world's cardinals in May to succeed the late Pope Francis. He has displayed a different style from his predecessor, usually speaking from carefully prepared speeches and rarely improvising, according to Reuters.
He was also more cautious about the conflict between Israel and Hamas than Francis, who suggested that the international community should consider whether Israel's military campaign in Gaza constitutes genocide against the Palestinian people, prompting criticism from Israeli officials.
Lav previously called on Israel to allow greater flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He repeated his appeal on Wednesday at the end of his Sunday audience.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen invaded southern Israel, killing about 1.200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli authorities, and taking 251 hostages.
Israel's military offensive against Hamas has since killed at least 62.000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry.
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