Pope Francis Leads Special Prayers Amid Escalating Tensions in Middle East

Amid latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Pope prays for the world "in a dark hour" and warns against the "folly of war"; also urges humanitarian aid for Gaza and peace in Ukraine.

• Pope Francis led special prayers at St. Peter’s Basilica amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, praying for the world 'in a dark hour' and the 'folly of war'.
• In his prayers, Pope Francis did not directly mention the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that triggered when Hamas attacked southern Israel and Israel retaliated by sealing off the Gaza Strip and carrying out airstrikes.
• Since the beginning of the conflict three weeks ago, the Pope has appealed for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and for the protection of civilians in Gaza from warfare.
• In light of Israel's cut-off of food, water, and fuel supplies into the Gaza strip following the deadly Hamas incursion, Pope Francis called for urgent humanitarian aid to avoid a 'catastrophe' for civilians.
• He also had a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing hope for two separate states and a special statute for the city of Jerusalem, which is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

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