Pope Francis Meets with Families of Israeli Hostages, Calls for Peace and Hostage Release

On the six-month anniversary of the Hamas attacks, Pope Francis reiterated his call for a just, lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, and the immediate release of hostages.

• Pope Francis held a private audience with relatives of several Israelis taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, marking the six-month anniversary.
• The pontiff condemned Hamas as 'evil' and emphasized the need for the hostages to be returned home.
• The meeting was described as 'very emotional' and 'very powerful,' highlighting the pope's solidarity with the families.
• Israel's retaliatory actions since the attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 33,175 people killed in Gaza, most of them women and children.
• Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and a just, lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.

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