Pope Leo XIV Praises Progress in Gaza Peace Talks, Calls for Ceasefire and Hostage Release

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday commended what he described as “significant progress” in efforts to achieve peace in Gaza, while renewing his call for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.

His remarks add to the wave of diplomatic reactions after Hamas signaled a positive response to US President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the Israel-Hamas war.

“In recent hours… significant progress has been made in peace negotiations, which I hope will lead to the desired outcomes as soon as possible,” the pontiff said at the conclusion of mass at the Vatican.

“I call on all responsible individuals to commit to this path, to a ceasefire and to the release of hostages,” he added, stressing the importance of working towards “a just and lasting peace.”

The Pope also raised alarm over “the rise of antisemitic hatred in the world,” citing Thursday’s terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue, which left two people dead and three others seriously injured, as a tragic example.

Expressing compassion for both sides, he said he was “deeply saddened by the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

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