Pope Leo XIV called for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and an end to the “heartbreaking” suffering of its inhabitants, speaking at his first general audience in St Peter's Square.
The Vatican said about 40,000 people attended the audience, which came just days after about 200,000 people attended the inaugural Mass of the first American pope.
Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, began the audience with a tour of the square in the popemobile, stopping to bless several babies.
In addressing special greetings to various groups of pilgrims, Leo spoke in his native English, as well as fluent Spanish and the traditional Italian language of the papacy.
“I renew my sincere appeal to allow the entry of dignified humanitarian aid into Gaza and to put an end to the military actions whose heartbreaking price is being paid by children, the elderly and the sick,” the Pope said.
The Wednesday General Audience is a weekly meeting that popes have held for decades to give ordinary believers a chance to meet the pontiff in person.
During this meeting, the Pope briefly reflects on a topic or passage of Scripture, and other speakers in various languages make brief comments, while the Pope directs specific messages to specific religious groups.
The meeting, which lasts more than an hour, usually ends with a short thematic address by the Pope on a topical issue or upcoming event.
Leo began with his now frequently spoken mantra: “Peace be with you.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
