Pope Francis Calls for Peace in Gaza, Revives Historic Vatican Gardens Encounter

Pope Francis convened Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors in the Vatican Gardens to pray for an end to the Gaza war, commemorating a similar event from a decade ago. He urged both sides to cease hostilities and emphasized the broader impacts of war on future generations.

Pope Francis called for an end to the war in Gaza during a heartfelt gathering of Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors at the Vatican Gardens, marking a momentous 10-year anniversary of a previous encounter. This event aimed to rekindle hopes for peace that had dissipated in the ongoing conflict.

The intimate assembly, which included around two-dozen cardinals and members of the Holy See's diplomatic corps, listened as Francis expressed his daily prayers for the cessation of hostilities. Israeli Ambassador Raphael Schutz and Palestinian Ambassador Issa Kassissieh participated, reflecting the Pope's balanced approach.

The Pope's plea echoed sentiments he shared a decade ago with Israel's then-President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, hoping to forge a “new journey” towards peace. Francis stressed the urgency for a cease-fire in Gaza and the return of hostages, condemning the enduring suffering and violence that war inflicts on all generations.