Pope Leo XIV calls for aid to reach Gaza and an end to hostilities in his first general audience

Associated Press

Published May 21, 2025 @ 10:48 AM

Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, expressing concern over the toll on its people. At a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, attended by around 40,000 people, Leo, a former Cardinal from Chicago, urged an end to hostilities affecting children, the elderly, and the sick. Leo, who can speak English, Spanish, and Italian, made the appeal without mentioning hostages taken by Hamas. The weekly audience allows for personal encounters with the Pope and includes reflections on various topics.