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15h ago

Pope Leo XIV Urges Israel to Facilitate Aid to Gaza as Crisis Deepens

In his first general audience, the new pope called for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire, highlighting the devastating impact on Gaza's vulnerable populations.

Pope Leo XIV leaves after his first weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Pope Leo XIV blesses faithfuls as he holds his first general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo
Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives for his first weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Pope Leo XIV waves at the end of his first weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural general audience, appealed for Israel to allow 'dignified' humanitarian aid into Gaza and end hostilities in the region.
  • The pontiff emphasized the severe toll on children, the elderly, and the sick, describing the situation in Gaza as 'increasingly worrying and painful.'
  • Israel announced on May 19 it would permit aid into Gaza after an 11-week blockade, but as of May 21, no aid had been distributed according to the United Nations.
  • International pressure on Israel is mounting, with the UK pausing free trade talks and summoning the Israeli ambassador over the ongoing crisis.
  • The humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists, with reports of famine risks and insufficient aid deliveries despite Israel's partial lifting of the blockade.