Gaza Conflict Dominates Pope's Speech

Pope Francis called for a "ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon" in his annual address to diplomats on Monday, which focused on the conflict in the Middle East. He condemned the attack by the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Israel on October 7 as a "horrific" act of "terrorism and extremism." Pope Francis again urged for the "immediate release" of hostages held in Gaza.