In his annual address to members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis called for the establishment of “a ceasefire regime on all fronts, including in Lebanon”, Vatican News writes.
In his long address that is often referred to as “State of the World”, the pontiff condemned the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, calling for the immediate release of those who are still kept in Gaza.
“I encourage all parties involved to resume negotiations and call on everyone to immediately make a commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip. Please no to weapons, yes to peace,” Pope Francis said.
However, he noted that Israel’s military response has caused “an exceptionally grave humanitarian crisis and inconceivable suffering”.
Pope Francis added that hospitals, schools and places of worship in Gaza must “be provided with the necessary protection”.
