Pope Francis calls for immediate end to Israeli strikes on Gaza
Vatican City: Pope Francis has urged an immediate halt to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and called for renewed dialogue to secure the release of hostages and establish a permanent ceasefire.
"I am saddened by the resumption of the intense Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, with so many deaths and injuries," the Pope wrote in his Angelus prayer on Sunday. His message was published as he was being discharged from the hospital after more than five weeks of treatment.
Francis appealed for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to find the "courage to resume dialogue." He emphasised that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and requires urgent intervention from both conflicting sides and the international community.
The Pope’s statement comes amid escalating violence in the region, with increasing casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory.
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Rahul Gandhi congratulates Pope Leo, hopes for peace, compassion
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was elected as the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church on Thursday.
"Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV. May his leadership foster peace, compassion, and service to humanity. My best wishes to the global Catholic community on this joyous occasion," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.
Prevost (69), a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican's powerful office of bishops, took the name Leo XIV.
