Ten days after the attack on the Catholic parish of the Sagrada Familia, the only Catholic temple in Gaza, which caused the death of three people, including two refugees, Pope Leo XIV called to negotiate a future of peace and fully respect humanitarian law.
“I renew my stepped call to the fire, to the liberation of hostages and the full respect of humanitarian law,” the Pontiff urged.
Receive the main news of ACI Press by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social networks. Subscribe to our free channels today:
People to the Apostolic Palace window said that every person “has an intrinsic dignity that has been conferred by God himself” and claimed the parties in all conflicts to “recognize her and put an end to any action contrary to her.”
“I urged to negotiate a future of peace for all peoples and to reject everything that can harm it,” he said.
During his speech from the Apostolic Palace window, Pope Leo XIV directed his thinking to the multiple open conflicts in the world and expressed his proximity to “all those who suffer from conflicts and violence in the world.”
In any case, he addressed with special emphasis the serious food crisis in Gaza with thousands of malnourished children and daily deaths due to starvation: “I continue with great concern the very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is crushed by hunger and remains exposed to violence and death.”
He also expressed concern about the escalation of violence in southern Syria.
On the other hand, he also mentioned the situation on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, where since July 24, 2025, violent clashes have been triggered mainly in areas close to the TA temple Mu They Mue Thom / Preah Vihear, whose sovereignty is subject to dispute.
“I pray for the people involved in the clashes on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, especially for the children and the families displaced. That the prince of peace inspires everyone to seek dialogue and reconciliation,” he said.
Thus, he entrusted to the Virgin his plea for the innocents and by those responsible for the destiny of the peoples: “I entrust Maria Reina de la Paz to the innocent victims of conflicts and the rulers who have the power to put an end to them.”
I greet Ewtn Summer Academy participants
On the other hand, the Pope also greeted the participants Ewtn Summer Academy, organized by the Vatican Media Agency EWTN News: an intensive training program in Catholic communication aimed at young people between 21 and 35 years with previous experience in creation of digital content.
In addition, he also recalled that this Sunday the V World Day of grandparents and the elderly under the slogan “blessed who have not lost hope” is celebrated.
Before thousands of faithful gathered in the Plaza de San Pedro, the Pontiff praised the irreplaceable role of the elderly as custodians of memory, transmitters of faith and “witnesses of hope.”
“Let’s look at the grandparents, the elderly as witnesses of hope, capable of illuminating the path of new generations. Let’s not leave them alone, but let’s join them in an alliance of love and prayer,” he said.
Finally, the Pope spoke in Spanish to greet the thousands of young people who will participate in the Jubilee from August 28 to 3, one of the most anticipated events of this Holy Year 2025.
“I greet with special affection for young people from different countries gathered in Rome for the jubilee of young people. I hope it is for all an occasion to find Christ and exit reinforced in faith and in the commitment to follow it with coherence,” he concluded.
Victoria Cardiel
Victoria Cardiel is a journalist specialized in social and religious information issues. Since 2013, he has covered all the news of the Vatican for various media, such as the Spanish news agency Europa Press, or the weekly of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Alfa and Omega.