Jerusalem: Pope Leo XIV has united his voice to the Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchs' joint appeal for an end to the war in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to flow freely into the enclave. The Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchs of Jerusalem released a joint appeal for peace in Gaza on Tuesday, August 26, emphasizing that there is no justification for the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV joined his voice to theirs and recalled the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace, which took place on Friday, August 22. The Pope expressed a strong appeal to both the involved parties and the international community to end the conflict in the Holy Land, which has resulted in terror, destruction, and death.
Pope Leo also urged for the safe entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the protection of civilians. He appealed for the release of all hostages, the achievement of a permanent ceasefire, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid access. The Pope stressed the importance of respecting humanitarian law, particularly the obligation to protect civilians and the prohibitions against collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and forced displacement of populations.