Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to hostilities in Yemen and offered prayers for those killed and injured in an attack on worshippers at St George’s Orthodox Church in Jordan. Following the Sunday Angelus on October 25, the Pope also urged people to pray for peace ahead of an interreligious gathering in Assisi marking 40 years since the first World Day of Prayer for Peace.
Expressing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Pope Leo highlighted the suffering of people in the city of Taiz, where shortages of food, water and medical care are putting lives at risk.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for hostilities to cease and for the Yemeni people and all the peoples of the region to be guaranteed a life of peace,” he said.
Fighting and road closures in Taiz have disrupted the delivery of essential supplies, leaving civilians facing growing shortages of food, water and fuel. Hospitals are struggling to maintain basic services as supplies of medicines and oxygen decline. Community kitchens that provide meals for vulnerable families are also facing difficulties because of the shortages.
The Pope's appeal comes amid growing humanitarian needs, with urgent access for aid workers and essential supplies remaining important for communities affected by the fighting.
Turning to Jordan, Pope Leo expressed his closeness to the victims of Friday's attack against worshippers at St George’s Orthodox Church in Harmoud, in the Karak governorate. The attack took place during a funeral on October 23, leaving nine people dead and around 40 injured.
“I am close to that community and to the entire country, which stands out for its peaceful coexistence and respect among different religions,” the Pope said.
Authorities are continuing their search for those responsible for the attack. No group has claimed responsibility.
The Pope's message also highlighted the importance of protecting peaceful relations among religious communities, particularly following an attack on people gathered for a funeral at a place of worship.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, October 27, Pope Leo invited the faithful to unite in prayer with Church leaders and representatives of other religions who will gather in Assisi, Italy.
The meeting marks 40 years since Saint John Paul II convened an interreligious gathering in Assisi in 1986, bringing together representatives of different faiths to pray for peace. The anniversary gathering seeks to renew the shared commitment to peace across religious traditions.
“Let us continue to pray together for peace,” Pope Leo urged.
Reflecting on the consequences of conflict, he warned that wars cause suffering far beyond the immediate loss of life and destruction.
“Never before has it been so evident that wars, besides sowing death and destruction, impoverish and damage the world,” he said.
The Pope concluded by calling for decisions that promote dialogue and peaceful solutions, expressing hope that the Lord would inspire leaders and communities to choose peace over conflict.