Overview

• On August 11, Madonna posted on X urging Pope Leo XIV to travel to Gaza “before it is too late” to bring his light to the children and noting he alone could gain entry.
• She timed the appeal to her son Rocco’s 25th birthday and pledged donations to World Central Kitchen, Women Wage Peace and Women of the Sun to support relief work in Gaza.
• United Nations agencies warn that Gaza is facing catastrophic shortages and a looming famine that threatens to starve children.
• Vatican officials have confirmed that no papal trip to Gaza is planned and said the Holy See will prioritize diplomatic engagement alongside charitable aid.
• Analysts caution that extensive diplomatic, security and logistical preparations make a papal visit to an active conflict zone highly impractical.