Pope Meets with Palestinian Delegation and Relatives of Israeli Hostages

The Vatican confirmed today, Friday, a report by Reuters stating that "Pope Francis will meet separately next week with relatives of hostages held by the Islamic Resistance Movement 'Hamas' and a delegation of Palestinians with family members in Gaza." Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated in a statement: "Through these two meetings, which are purely humanitarian in nature, Pope Francis wants to show his spiritual closeness to the suffering of both." Sources have indicated that "Pope Francis is expected to meet with relatives of Israeli hostages held by 'Hamas' and separately with a Palestinian delegation that includes some individuals from Gaza." The meetings are scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the Vatican.