VATICAN CITY – A video of Pope Francis urging for a ceasefire in Gaza has surfaced, capturing his condemnation of the ongoing violence.
In the video, Pope Francis states, “Yesterday, children were bombed. This is cruelty. This is not war,” emphasizing the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
His call for peace resonates deeply as the world mourns the loss of the Pope, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
Pope Francis told the world that it is not war in Gaza 🇵🇸. It is slaughter. It is terror. It is a cruelty:“Yesterday, children were bombed. This is cruelty. This is not war.”Humanity has lost a friend in the passing of Pope Francis.Rest in Peace.
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, was an outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
While initially quick to condemn the Hamas massacre on October 7, the Pope’s criticism of Israel grew as the war persisted.
In November, he suggested that the global community should examine whether Israel’s actions in Gaza could be considered a genocide of the Palestinian people.
His remarks marked one of his most explicit criticisms of Israel during the conflict.
Despite his criticism of Israel, Pope Francis repeatedly called on Hamas to release hostages, and he fervently appealed for humanitarian aid to reach the besieged region.
In the days leading up to his death, Pope Francis again called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and urgent aid for those suffering in Gaza.
His Easter message highlighted the “dramatic and deplorable” situation, expressing solidarity with both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
During the conflict, Pope Francis also took extraordinary steps to support the Christian community in Gaza, including making nightly phone calls to the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, offering prayers and words of encouragement.
The Pope, emerging from his recent convalescence, addressed the crowd, saying, “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” as he blessed the faithful and treated them to a surprise popemobile ride through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause. ynews.digital/newsflash/watc…
The Pope’s death marks the loss of a global figure who stood for peace and compassion, consistently advocating for the well-being of all people, regardless of nationality or religion.
His call for peace in Gaza, urging both sides to negotiate for a future of peace, will remain a defining aspect of his papacy.
