Pope Francis deplores the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza

Pope Francis on Wednesday deplored the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

Pope Francis deplored the “desperate” situation in Gaza on Wednesday as he urged the faithful to take “only one side” in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the side “of peace.”

As reported, while speaking during his weekly audience in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis did not mention the deadly Gaza hospital strike.

“War does not solve any problem, it only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, and multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” he said.

“I urge believers to take only one side in this conflict, that of peace, but not with words but with prayer and total dedication,” Francis added.

The pontiff also announced special prayers for peace in St Peter’s Basilica at 6:00 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Oct. 27.

In a post on X, he said the possible widening of the conflict is disturbing.

“The situation in #Gaza is desperate. Please let everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. The possible widening of the conflict is disturbing. Let the weapons be silenced; let the cry for peace be heard from the poor, from the people, from the children!” he added.

The situation in #Gaza is desperate. Please let everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. The possible widening of the conflict is disturbing. Let the weapons be silenced; let the cry for peace be heard from the poor, from the people, from the children!

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 18, 2023