Pope warns of war’s tragic impact on families and children, calls for ceasefire

Pope Francis highlighted the devastating impact of war on innocent lives, particularly children and families, as he reflected on the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon during his address to people in St. Peter’s Square, on October 30, 2024.

He emphasized, “No one wins in war; everyone loses,” as he remembered the lives of over 150 people killed in a recent airstrike targeting a residential area in Gaza.

At the close of his General Audience, Pope Francis passionately declared, “War is always, always, always a defeat,” as he once again called for peace and an end to conflicts worldwide.

He named several nations affected by violence, including “martyred Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, North Kivu, and many countries in war,” urging that war is always a tragic loss. “Peace is a gift from the Holy Spirit,” he reminded listeners.

Reflecting on a recent incident, he questioned, “What do children and families have to do with war?” urging that they are, tragically, “the first victims.”

The United Nations documented seven “mass casualty incidents” in Gaza between October 24 and 29.

One recent attack on residential buildings in the Manara area in southern Gaza killed 33 individuals, including 14 children, six of whom were from the same family.

In other attacks, airstrikes targeted residential shelters for displaced people, resulting in 93 deaths.

Added to the crisis, one of Gaza’s few remaining operational hospitals was raided by Israeli forces, with reports indicating over 150 people were trapped inside.

Another northern hospital reported a critical shortage of medical supplies and food due to aid restrictions.

According to the Palestinian Civil Defense, “770 people were killed in the last 19 days alone.”

Pope Francis' call for an end to violence resonates as an urgent appeal for the protection of innocent lives and the restoration of peace.

With inputs from the Vatican News