Pope Francis urges immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Pope Francis has urged an "immediate" end to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. He made this appeal during his Angelus prayer on Sunday, as he recovered from being hospitalized for over five weeks. The Pope expressed deep sadness over the renewed bombardment, which has caused many deaths and injuries. He called for an urgent silencing of weapons and for dialogue to help secure the release of hostages. He emphasized the need for a "definitive ceasefire" and highlighted the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The Pope urged both the conflicting parties and the international community to take immediate action.