Pope Francis decries 'Inhumane' attacks on Palestine and calls for global peace

During his general audience on October 23, Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt plea for peace, denouncing the escalating violence in Palestine and the arms trade fueling conflicts around the world.

Describing the attacks on Palestine as "inhumane," the Pope urged the faithful to unite in prayer for peace and an end to global violence.

Expressing sorrow over the rising death toll in Ukraine, the Pope noted the devastating human cost of the ongoing war. He highlighted the alarming death toll, which The Wall Street Journal recently reported had reached one million combined Ukrainian and Russian casualties.

The Pope lamented, "War never forgives; it is a defeat from the beginning." He called for prayers not only for Ukraine but also for other conflict zones like Myanmar and Gaza.

"Let us not forget Palestine, which is suffering inhumane attacks," the Pope said, drawing attention to the dire situation in Gaza, where civilian casualties have mounted since the war between Israel and Palestine erupted following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.

Gaza's health ministry estimates over 42,000 people have been killed, though the full extent of the devastation remains difficult to confirm.

The Pope's plea comes amid reports of severe shortages in Gaza, with the lack of humanitarian aid, gas, medical supplies, and basic resources pushing the population toward the brink of famine. Children are among the countless victims of this humanitarian crisis.

Pope Francis also condemned the massive financial investment in arms manufacturing, criticizing it as one of the most profitable industries today.

"To profit from death is inhumane," he stated, urging the world to reject violence and instead pursue peace.

"Let us pray for peace all together," he concluded, calling for global solidarity in the face of war.