Francis has repeatedly deplored the death and destruction in the Gaza war.
An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was still under review and had no immediate comment on the pope's words.
Italian rabbis questioned the worth of "decades of Jewish-Christian dialog" if when Jews are attacked the Vatican responds with "diplomatic acrobatics."
The hostages, captured by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, are reported to be in dire conditions, with fears of torture and urgent medical needs.
Pope Francis said he had been greatly saddened by the news of both Palestinians and Israelis that have been killed over the past week.
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