Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Pope Leo reiterates call for Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages
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Pope Leo XIV delivers his speech during the weekly general audience at St Peter's Square at The Vatican, on May 28, 2025. (Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
Pope Leo appeals for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages, and calling on Israel and the Hamas terror group to “completely respect” international humanitarian law.
“In the Gaza Strip, the intense cries are reaching Heaven more and more from mothers and fathers who hold tightly to the bodies of their dead children,” the pontiff says during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
“To those responsible, I renew my appeal: stop the fighting,” says the pope. “Liberate all the hostages. Completely respect humanitarian law.”
Leo, elected on May 8 to replace the late Pope Francis, also appeals for an end to the war in Ukraine.
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