Pope Francis Renews Appeal for Prayers for War-Stricken Ukraine and Holy Land
By Francesca Merlo
Pope Francis, during his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, renewed his appeal for prayers for those suffering from the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land. In his powerful message, the Pope emphasized, “This is not war; this is terrorism,” as he addressed the devastating Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Pontiff met with two delegations earlier in the morning of November 22 – one consisting of Israelis with relatives held hostage in Gaza, and the other comprising families of Palestinians affected by the violence. In these meetings, Pope Francis expressed deep empathy for their suffering, acknowledging their pain and anguish.
Dialogue over Conflict
Emphasizing the need for prayer and peace, the Pope stressed the importance of addressing the ongoing turmoil through dialogue, rather than succumbing to destructive passions. He urged for prayers for both the Palestinian and Israeli people, reflecting his unwavering commitment to humanitarian and spiritual support for those affected by the conflict.
The Holy See Press Office Director, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the Pope’s meetings with the delegations were purely humanitarian in nature, highlighting Pope Francis’ dedication to demonstrating spiritual closeness to each individual’s suffering.
