Vatican City– In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV issued a heartfelt appeal for global attention towards the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As tensions escalate in the Middle East following overnight US airstrikes on Iran, the pontiff reminded the international community of the ongoing suffering in Palestine, reported the Times of Israel.
“In this context that includes Israel and Palestine, there is a risk that the daily suffering of peoples is forgotten,” the Pope said while addressing pilgrims from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square. “In particular in Gaza and other territories, there is an ever-greater urgency for adequate humanitarian aid.”
The Pope’s remarks come at a time when global focus has shifted to the broader Israel-Iran conflict, raising concerns that the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people may be sidelined.
Observers note that the situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with basic necessities scarce, healthcare systems collapsing, and families continuing to endure the trauma of war. The Pope called for renewed efforts by international bodies and humanitarian organizations to ensure aid reaches those in need without delay.
His statement also highlights the broader concern that expanding conflict could exacerbate suffering across the region, especially among already vulnerable populations.
