Pope Francis expressed sorrow today regarding the "miserable" situation in Gaza, calling on the faithful to take "only one side" in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is the "side of peace." He stated, "War does not solve any problem; it only scatters seeds of death and destruction, increases hatred, and multiplies revenge. War erases the future."
He urged believers "to align with one side in this conflict, the side of peace, but not with words, rather with prayer and complete dedication." He called for all possible efforts "to prevent a humanitarian disaster" in Gaza, mentioning that he will lead special prayers for peace at St. Peter's Cathedral at 6 PM local time (16:00 GMT) on October 27. He explained that this day would be a "day of fasting, prayer, and repentance," inviting all Christians and followers of other religions concerned about global peace to join him.
"I invite believers to join the Church in the Holy Land by dedicating this day to prayer and fasting for peace. May the hostages be freed, may civilians no longer be victims of the conflict, and may humanitarian law be respected so that no more innocent blood is shed," he stated.
In his remarks during the weekly audience at St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis did not explicitly refer to the bombing of a hospital in Gaza, which both Israelis and Palestinians have accused each other of perpetrating.
