In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden engaged in a discussion about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as other wars worldwide, as confirmed by the Vatican. The conversation, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, aimed to address the current conflict situations and the urgent need to find paths towards peace.
The focus of the call was the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, with Israel preparing for a potential ground assault on Gaza following a recent Hamas attack that resulted in the loss of 1,400 lives. Against this distressing backdrop, Pope Francis conveyed his deep sadness regarding the dire situation in Gaza, highlighting the bombing of an Anglican hospital and a Greek Orthodox church.
During his remarks to the crowds gathered in St Peter's Square earlier that day, the Pope issued a plea for an end to the violence, urging all parties involved to halt their actions. "Brothers, stop," he implored, emphasizing the desperate need for peace and a cessation of hostilities.
President Biden, a devout Catholic, also addressed the Israel-Hamas conflict on Saturday when questioned about his role in possibly influencing Israel's decision regarding a ground invasion of Gaza. While he did not provide explicit details about his conversations with Israeli officials, Biden affirmed that he was engaged in discussions with them.
In a separate development, Hamas claimed to have taken approximately 200 hostages during an incursion into communities and military bases in southern Israel. The Pope, known for advocating for the release of hostages on multiple occasions, has consistently stressed the importance of protecting innocent lives and called for their immediate liberation.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, Pope Francis and President Biden's conversation demonstrates the shared concern and commitment of global leaders to find solutions that lead to lasting peace. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of identifying paths towards peaceful resolution, not only in the Israel-Hamas conflict but also in other conflict zones worldwide.