Pope Francis Urges Peace in the Middle East: Two Neighboring States

2024-04-14 11:43:00
Pope Francis in the Vatican. (EFE/EPA/FABIO FRUSTACI)

Pope Francis today launched an “urgent appeal” to avoid “a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater war conflict” and asked the international community to help Israelis and Palestinians live in “two Neighboring States.

“I urgently call for a stop to all actions that might fuel a spiral of violence with the risk of leading the Middle East into even greater conflict. “No one should threaten the existence of another,” said the pontiff, who follows with “concern and also pain” the events following Iran’s attack on Israel.

The Middle East is facing a moment of maximum tension following the attack on Israel by Iran, which last night launched more than 300 drones, missiles and ballistic missiles that left no victims but is the first attack of this type from Iranian soil.

“All nations stand on the side of peace and help Israelis and Palestinians live in two states, side by side, safely, it is their deep and lawful desire and their right. Two neighboring states,” he said following praying the ‘Regina Coeli’, which replaces the Angelus during the Easter period.

From the window of the Apostolic Palace before the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Francis also pleaded for “a quick ceasefire in Gaza” and for “the paths of negotiation to be followed,” he said, repeating that last word: “negotiation”.

He also urged that “with determination, the population plunged into a humanitarian catastrophe be helped and the hostages kidnapped months ago be quickly released. “So much suffering! Let us pray for peace.”

“Enough with the war, enough with the attacks, enough with the violence, let there be dialogue and peace,” requested Francisco, whose call was welcomed with applause in the square.

The Italian Presidency of the G7 has called a video conference this Sunday with the leaders of the seven richest democracies in the world to discuss the attack, while the UN Security Council will hold an emergency session at the request of Israel.

(With information from EFE)

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