Pope Calls on Countries in Conflict to Immediately Negotiate and Stop the War

Also read: Hamas Ready to Recognize Israel and Lay Down Weapons

Regarding the war in the Gaza Strip, the Pope stated that he continues to monitor the situation there, including the genocide attempt which has received much criticism and protests. ”I pray a lot for a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.

Every evening at 19.00 local time, Pope Francis calls the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip for information. “There were around 600 people there. They told me what happened. Very difficult. Very, very difficult. Food comes in, but they have to fight to get it. "It's really very difficult," said the Pope.

Since the Hamas-Israel war erupted on October 7 2023, the Pope has continued to call for negotiations and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. With the ceasefire, humanitarian aid can enter and be distributed to Palestinians and to help free Israeli hostages captured by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attack.

In the middle of April 2024, following Iran's attack on Israel, the Pope also called for the same thing. He urged Iran and Israel to avoid steps that could trigger a "spiral of violence" that would risk plunging the Middle East into deeper conflict.

"No country should threaten the existence of another. On the contrary, all countries must support peace and help Israel and Palestine live as two states, coexisting peacefully," added the Pope.

As is known, the discussions on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which is mediated by Qatar and Egypt, are still ongoing. In an interview with the Associated Press news agency on Wednesday (April 24, 2024), Hamas Military Political Bureau member, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that Hamas is ready to lay down its arms if Palestinian independence is achieved with borders in accordance with the 1967 borders.

Also read: Israel-Hamas Continue to Fail to Agreement, Fears of Ground Attacks Increase

When asked about the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on children, the Pope responded, "Children don't know how to smile. I told them something, but they forget how to smile. It's really difficult when a child forgets to smile. It's very serious," said the Pope.

As quoted by Reuters news agency on April 14th, 2024, the Pope emphasized, "Enough with war, enough with violence. Yes to dialogue, yes to peace."

In an interview last Wednesday, the Pope also spoke about the climate change happening in the world. He also touched on the World Children's Day.

The whale said, "Children always bring a message. They bring a message. And this is how we can have a younger heart."

The issue of air pollution is not new. The community's condition threatened by air pollution has been a long-standing issue. Numerous research studies have shown the threats posed by air pollution. However, despite this, significant efforts to control air pollution have not yet been made. As a result, residents continue to suffer from the onslaught of air pollution. Pope also emphasized that there is room for everyone in the church. "I believe that there is always a place for everyone. If the pastor in this parish appears unfriendly, I understand, but go and see, there is always a place. Don't run away from the Church," he said, while stating that his health condition is good. (REUTERS)