Pope Leo XIV Urges Humanitarian Access to Gaza Amid Growing Crisis

On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV called for urgent humanitarian aid to be permitted entry into the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the dire situation during his first general audience held at St. Peter’s Square.

Describing the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza as deeply troubling and painful, the pope appealed for the delivery of respectful and dignified humanitarian assistance. He urged an end to the violence, noting the devastating toll it is taking on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the ill. His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause.

These statements come shortly after leaders from Britain, Canada, and France—nations allied with Israel—called on the Israeli government to facilitate greater aid access to Gaza. Since the breakdown of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in March, Israel has restricted some humanitarian aid as leverage to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.