Pope Francis expressed his disappointment over the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, warning that the hatred and violence it breeds could continue for future generations.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Francis' remarks came on the 10th anniversary of a peace call by Israel's former president Shimon Peres and Mahmud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, at the Vatican in 2014.
Pope Francis expresses concern for the suffering of all people in Israel and Palestine, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
He calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages.
He also urges protection and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population.
The Pope emphasizes the need for a lasting peace where both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel can coexist.
Negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas have stalled, just a week after US President
Joe Biden presented a new peace plan.
The conflict began when Hamas carried out an attack on October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 civilians and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli officials.
In response, Israel launched a military offensive that has killed over 36,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Efforts to reach a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful.