During the general audience on August 27, 2025, Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the conflict in the Holy Land, pleading for the release of hostages, respect for humanitarian law, and the establishment of a "permanent ceasefire."
Without naming Israel or Hamas, he implored them to end the "indiscriminate use of force" and "forced displacement of populations."
At the end of the audience, held in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope issued a "strong appeal to both the parties involved and the international community to put an end to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death." His words were enthusiastically applauded by the thousands of pilgrims present.
"I implore that all hostages be released, that a permanent ceasefire be achieved, that the safe entry of humanitarian aid be facilitated, and that humanitarian law be fully respected, in particular the obligation to care for civilians and the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and forced population displacement," he continued.
With this, the Pope expressed his support for the joint statement by the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchs of Jerusalem, the local Christian authorities, who called for an end to the violence and war, and urged political leaders to serve the common good of the people as a priority.
In that statement, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III said that their clergy and nuns would not be evacuating Gaza City.
They explained:
Since the outbreak of the war, the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound have been a refuge for hundreds of civilians. Among them are elderly people, women, and children. In the Latin compound we are hosting since many years people with disabilities, who are under the care of the Sisters Missionaries of Charity. Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in the facilities will have to decide according to their conscience what they will do. Among those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds, many are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months. Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.
A land dear to all
Last Friday, the Pontiff called a day of fasting and prayer for those who are victims of war.
Leo XIV entrusted his intentions today for "this land so dear to all" to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.
Nearly two years after the start of the conflict, clashes between Israel and Hamas have intensified in recent hours, with Jerusalem carrying out numerous bombings. On August 22 -- the same day the Church was in prayer and fasting for peace -- the United Nations announced that the Gaza Strip was officially in a state of famine and questioned Israel's failure to respect humanitarian law, with Israel announcing that it was prepared to destroy Gaza if Hamas did not accept its terms.
On August 25, a new Israeli strike on a civilian building, Nasser Hospital, killed 20 people, including five journalists, and provoked strong outrage in the international community.
