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Pope pleads for military restraint in the Middle East

April 15, 2024

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CWN Editor's Note: Following Iranian strikes in Israel, Pope Francis said that “I am following in prayer and with concern, even pain, the news that has reached us in the last few hours regarding the worsening of the situation in Israel, due to the intervention by Iran.”

“I make a heartfelt appeal to halt any action that might fuel a spiral of violence, with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater military conflict,” he continued. “No one should threaten the existence of others. May all the nations instead take the side of peace, and help Israelis and Palestinians live in two States, side by side, in safety. It is their deep and legitimate desire, and it is their right!”

The Pope added, “Let there be a ceasefire in Gaza soon, and let us pursue the paths of negotiation, with determination. Let us help that population, plunged into a humanitarian catastrophe; let the hostages kidnapped months ago be released! So much suffering! Let us pray for peace. No more war, no more attacks, no more violence! Yes to dialogue and yes to peace!”

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  • Posted by: nix898049 - Apr. 15, 2024 6:10 PM ET USA

    Oh, Holy Father, you still don't get it. There is no such thing as a 2 State Solution! Not when one of the "states" wants the other's annihilation. Please understand THAT is the Palestinians' deep desire and why no other countries will let them in! For heaven's sake, get real!