Following his Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the renewed hostilities in Gaza, urging those involved to embrace paths of courage leading to peace.

The Pope lamented the breakdown of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the profound consequences: "It pains me that the truce has been broken - this means death, destruction, misery."

Due to his recovery from a lung inflammation, Msgr. Paolo Braida, an official of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, read the Pope's reflections aloud as he sat beside him. The Pope acknowledged the release of some hostages but highlighted the ongoing plight of many in Gaza, underscoring the suffering and lack of basic necessities.

Expressing hope for a swift new ceasefire agreement, Pope Francis urged all parties to explore alternatives to armed conflict, encouraging the pursuit of courageous paths to peace. The Pope has consistently called for the release of all hostages in Gaza and an immediate end to hostilities.

Earlier on November 22nd, Pope Francis met with Palestinians who have relatives in Gaza and individuals whose family members are held hostage by Hamas, reaffirming his commitment to addressing the pressing issues in the region.