Leo XIV: “Cease hostilities in Gaza, the most fragile pay the price”

First general audience for Pope Prevost in Francis’ trig. Heartfelt appeal for humanitarian aid in Gaza Strip and for peace

Crowds thronged St. Peter’s Square for the first general audience of Pope Leo XIV, elected last month to the papal throne. The meeting with the faithful, full of emotion and participation, coincided with the three-month anniversary of Pope Francis, to whom Leo XIV addressed a heartfelt remembrance: “We cannot conclude this meeting of ours without remembering with such gratitude our beloved Pope Francis, who just a month ago returned to the house of the Father.”

During the audience, Leo XIV renewed a call for peace in the Gaza Strip, denouncing the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation. “The situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly worrisome and painful,” he said. ”I renew my heartfelt appeal to allow the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostilities, the heartbreaking price of which is paid by children, the elderly and the sick.

The Pontiff then resumed the cycle of Jubilee catechesis initiated by Pope Francis, dedicated to the theme “Jesus Christ Our Hope.” In particular, he dwelt on the parable of the sower, described as “a kind of introduction to all the parables,” useful for rediscovering the profound meaning of the Gospel message.

“Each parable,” he explained, ”tells a story taken from everyday life, but one that prompts us to ask profound questions. Where am I in this story? What does this image say to my life? Parables are spiritual provocations that help us not to stop at appearances and let God question us.”

Finally, addressing the Portuguese-speaking faithful, Leo XIV revived the Marian message of Fatima: “Pray the rosary every day for peace.” An exhortation, he said, so that “men do not close themselves to the gift of God and disarm their hearts.”

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