Pope accuses Israel of genocide and calls the situation in Gaza "shameful"
World
Pope Francis delivered his annual address to diplomats at the Vatican, criticizing Israel's military campaign in Gaza and describing the humanitarian situation in Palestine as "extremely serious and disgraceful."
In his speech, the Pope stated:
"We cannot accept children freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed, and the country’s energy network has been hit. We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians."
These remarks were directed at representatives from 184 countries accredited to the Vatican, including the Israeli ambassador.
The Pope also called for an end to the war in Ukraine and other global conflicts. He highlighted crises in Sudan, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Nicaragua, reiterating his calls for action against climate change and misinformation spreading on social media.
The Pontiff typically avoids openly siding with any party in conflicts. However, he has recently taken a stronger stance, criticizing Israel's military campaign against the Palestinian group Hamas and suggesting that the global community should consider whether these actions amount to genocide against the Palestinian people.
Concluding his address, the 88-year-old Pope said:
"My wish for 2025 is that the international community will first and foremost strive to end the war in Ukraine, which has spilled so much blood for nearly three years."
"We cannot accept children freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed, and the country’s energy network has been hit. We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians."
These remarks were directed at representatives from 184 countries accredited to the Vatican, including the Israeli ambassador.
The Pope also called for an end to the war in Ukraine and other global conflicts. He highlighted crises in Sudan, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Nicaragua, reiterating his calls for action against climate change and misinformation spreading on social media.
The Pontiff typically avoids openly siding with any party in conflicts. However, he has recently taken a stronger stance, criticizing Israel's military campaign against the Palestinian group Hamas and suggesting that the global community should consider whether these actions amount to genocide against the Palestinian people.
Concluding his address, the 88-year-old Pope said:
"My wish for 2025 is that the international community will first and foremost strive to end the war in Ukraine, which has spilled so much blood for nearly three years."
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