Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for the ceasefire in Gaza that entered into force on Sunday.
The Pope spoke to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus address. He praised the mediators and everyone who helped bring about the ceasefire accord in Gaza.
The pope also said he hopes that “what has been agreed will be respected immediately by the parties” and that all of the hostages would be allowed to go home and reunite with their loved ones eventually. “I pray a lot for them and their families,” he stated.
The Pope also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to pursuing a “Two-State” solution in the long run and prayed that the “so-urgently-needed” humanitarian aid may reach Gaza in significant quantities as soon as possible.
Pope Francis emphasized the need for “clear signs” of hope for both Israelis and Palestinians. “I trust,” he said, “that the political authorities of both of them, with the help of the international community, may reach the right solution for the two States.”
He urged all believers to pray for the accomplishment of these three goals: “yes to dialogue, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace.”