ROME: Pope Leo XIV demanded Wednesday that Israel stop the “collective punishment” and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza as he pleaded for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the besieged territory amid preparations by Israel for a new military offensive. Leo was interrupted twice by applause as he read aloud his latest appeal for an end to the 22-month war during his weekly general audience attended by thousands of people in the Vatican’s auditorium.

“Supplico che siano liberati tutti gli ostaggi”

ROME: Pope Leo XIV demanded Wednesday that Israel stop the “collective punishment” and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza as he pleaded for an immediate and permanent…

Il Pontefice chiede la liberazione degli ostaggi e un cessate il fuoco permanente a Gaza, unendo la sua voce ai patriarchi di Gerusalemme

The appeal comes as Israel prepares to expand its offensive

Pope Leo XIV joined other religious leaders again calling for a cease-fire in Israel's war in Gaza with Hamas and called for an end to "collective punishment" of Palestinians.

Pope Leo XIV demanded Wednesday that Israel stop the "collective punishment" and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza as he pleaded for an immediate and permanent ceasefire…