Pope

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was still under review and had no immediate comment on the pope's words.

"Many hostages have been freed but many are still in Gaza. We think of them, of their families, who had seen a light, a hope of embracing their loved ones again."

The Pope asked for prayers so that both sides would "not go ahead with passions, which in the end, kill everyone".

The Vatican has been vocal in calling for the release of all hostages as well as a ceasefire.

The hostages, captured by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, are reported to be in dire conditions, with fears of torture and urgent medical needs.

WJC said its “Kishreinu” initiative was a response to Nostra Aetate, the landmark 1965 document that modernized the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church, Judaism and other religions.

The death toll in Israel from Hamas' attack has reached 1,300, with more than 3,000 people injured, as hostages remain trapped in Gaza.

The appointment of Archbishop Pizzaballa as a cardinal underlines the Vatican's desire to play a more active role in the ongoing diplomatic discussions concerning Jerusalem.

Francis spoke out in favor of welcoming migrants, in a long speech that concluded a Church conference on Mediterranean issues.

According to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, about 178,500 migrants have come to Europe in the year to date via the Mediterranean, while about 2,500 died or went missing on the way.