Pope Leo XIV has expressed hope that the United States’ peace plan for Gaza is accepted, calling it a “realistic proposal”. Source: Vatican News.
The Gaza peace plan and the humanitarian aid flotilla approaching the Gaza coast were among the topics addressed by the Pope at Castel Gandolfo in a conversation with journalists before returning to the Vatican yesterday.
The Pope answered reporters waiting outside Villa Barberini, as has been the custom every Tuesday evening for nearly a month.
“We hope they accept it; so far it seems a realistic proposal,” Pope Leo said regarding the 20-point peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump, with the approval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Pope Leo stressed the importance of a ceasefire and the release of hostages, adding, “There are very interesting elements,” and reiterating, “We hope Hamas accepts within the established timeframe.”
On the flotilla approaching Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, amid ongoing tensions, the Pope highlighted the difficulty of the situation, noting that “there is a desire to respond to a real humanitarian emergency.” The Pontiff expressed hope that “there is no violence and that people are respected.”
In English, the Pope was asked for his opinion on the awarding of a prize to Democrat senator Dick Durbin, who supports legalised abortion, by Cardinal Blaise Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago.
“I’m not very familiar with the particular case,” the Pope said. “I think it is very important to look at the overall work a senator has done during, if I am not mistaken, 40 years of service in the United States Senate.”
The Pontiff acknowledged the difficulties and tensions but emphasised that “it is important to consider many issues related to the teaching of the Church.”
He underlined that, saying, “I am against abortion” while supporting the death penalty is not truly pro-life, nor is agreeing with the inhumane treatment of immigrants in the United States.
“These are very complex issues. I do not know if anyone has the full truth on them, but I would first of all ask that there be greater mutual respect, and that together — as human beings, in that case as American citizens or citizens of Illinois, as well as Catholics — we say: ‘We need to look closely at all these ethical issues and find the way forward as a Church.’ Church teaching on each of these issues is very clear.”
FULL STORY
Pope: Trump’s Gaza peace plan realistic, hopefully Hamas will accept (By Gabriella Ceraso, Vatican News)
