Vatican City: In a heartfelt address at the conclusion of Mass in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV called on global political leaders to commit decisively to the ongoing Israel-Hamas peace negotiations, which he acknowledged have recently shown “significant steps forward.” The pontiff expressed his fervent hope that a peace agreement would be finalized as soon as possible, urging the faithful to “remain united in prayer” for a just and lasting peace in the region.
Pope Leo’s remarks came during a Mass celebrating the Jubilee of Missionaries and Migrants, which saw pilgrims gather in St Peter’s Square despite light rain. In his address, the Pope spoke of the “immense suffering” endured by Palestinians in Gaza and extended a special greeting to a group of pilgrims from Bethlehem. He also drew attention to the rise of antisemitic hatred worldwide, referencing the recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester, England, as a stark reminder of the growing challenges faced by religious communities.
“The Church is entirely missionary,” Pope Leo emphasized, highlighting that missionary and migrant communities exemplify the Church’s ongoing dedication to human dignity. He stressed that no individual should be forced to flee, exploited, or mistreated because of their status as a foreigner or a person in need, underlining that human dignity must always take precedence.
The Pope also took a moment to express solidarity with victims of natural disasters, specifically the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the Philippines on Tuesday. “I express my closeness to the dear Filipino people,” he said, urging communities facing danger to “remain united and supportive” in these trying times.
Through his address, Pope Leo XIV intertwined urgent calls for peace, justice, and human dignity, while reminding the global community of the Church’s missionary role and moral responsibility in addressing both geopolitical conflicts and humanitarian crises.