Madonna urges Pope to visit Gaza 'before it's too late'
The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post.
Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering.
"The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said.
"We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna."
The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages.
"I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation."
The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians.
"I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July.
Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition.
Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine.
The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount.
Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says.
Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving.
It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution.
Madonna has urged the Pope to travel to Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late".
The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post.
Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering.
"The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said.
"We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna."
The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages.
"I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation."
The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians.
"I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July.
Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition.
Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine.
The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount.
Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says.
Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving.
It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution.
Madonna has urged the Pope to travel to Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late".
The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post.
Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering.
"The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said.
"We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna."
The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages.
"I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation."
The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians.
"I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July.
Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition.
Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine.
The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount.
Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says.
Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving.
It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution.
Madonna has urged the Pope to travel to Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late".
The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post.
Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering.
"The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said.
"We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna."
The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages.
"I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation."
The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians.
"I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July.
Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition.
Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine.
The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount.
Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says.
Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving.
It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution.
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Madonna urges Pope to visit Gaza 'before it's too late'
Madonna has urged the Pope to travel to Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late". The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post. Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. "The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said. "We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna." The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. "I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation." The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians. "I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July. Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition. Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine. The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount. Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says. Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving. It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution. Madonna has urged the Pope to travel to Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late". The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post. Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. "The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said. "We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna." The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. "I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation." The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians. "I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July. Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition. Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine. The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount. Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says. Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving. It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution. Madonna has urged the Pope to travel to Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late". The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post. Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. "The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said. "We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna." The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. "I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation." The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians. "I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July. Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition. Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine. The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount. Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says. Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving. It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution. Madonna has urged the Pope to travel to Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late". The superstar posted her appeal to the pontiff on social media on Monday, saying the birthday of her son Rocco - who turned 25 on Monday - prompted her to make the post. Addressing Pope Leo XIV, she wrote: "Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. "The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she said. "We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna." The singer said she was not taking sides in the war, writing: "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. "I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation." The Pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect humanitarian laws and the obligation to protect civilians. "I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the pontiff said in July. Aid workers and doctors have said that after months of Israeli blockade and turmoil in the distribution of supplies, children in Gaza with no previous conditions are starting to die from malnutrition. Israel's air and ground offensive, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack into Israel, has displaced most of the some two million Palestinians in Gaza and pushed the territory towards famine. The United Nations said that across Gaza, more than 5000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in May, though that is likely an undercount. Doctors struggle to treat the children because many supplies have run out, the UN says. Israel denies a famine is taking place or that children are starving. It says it has supplied enough food throughout the war and accuses Hamas of causing shortages by stealing aid and trying to control food distribution.
Perth Now
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Miriam Margolyes doesn't fear being cancelled
Miriam Margolyes doesn't worry about being cancelled. The 84-year-old actress has faced a backlash for her criticism of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza but she believes she has a responsibility to speak out and try to instigate change, and she doesn't worry about the consequences for her career. She told The Guardian newspaper: 'People say: 'You're just an actor, for f***'s sake, shut up.' Well, that is a point of view. I don't happen to share that. "I think that if you have a chance to make an impact for good, to change things, then you should. I think it's an absolute requirement, and people don't, out of fear sometimes. They are afraid of being cancelled. You can't cancel me!' Miriam tries to use her age to her advantage - but admitted there is no reason why people "should" listen to her. She said: 'If somebody p***** me off, I'll say, 'Now listen to me, I'm 84!' But I don't see why they should!' The Harry Potter actress is returning to the Edinburgh festival for the second year running with a new version of her show, which is based on the characters of Charles Dickens, and she admitted it isn't a hardship for her because she enjoys it so much. She said: 'I'm very lucky. There's relatively few people of my age still working. "[There is] nothing like a live audience. It's like a kiss, it's a caress.' 'I just enjoy doing it so much. My favourites like Mrs Gamp, Miss Havisham, I think I'm a perfect person to give voice to these amazing creations of which there were very many. So it's a bit of a w***, really." However, the actress did not that life on the road can be tiring these days. She said: 'I'm gathering my powers and I will deliver, but it is a struggle.' And while she has an "immediate feeling of joy and competence" when she steps out onto the stage, Miriam admitted that hasn't always come naturally. Asked if she's always felt confident during a live performance, she replied: 'No, it has come with time. What I am conscious of now is that people know who I am and that is really relatively recent.'
Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Madonna begs Pope Leo to visit Gaza 'before it's too late'
Madonna has urged Pope Leo to visit Gaza and "bring your light to the children before it's too late". The Like A Prayer singer has called out to the leader of the Catholic Church - who became pontiff in May this year and has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the region - and insisted "there is no more time" to waste after the World Health Organization described the situation as man-made "mass starvation". She shared her open plea with her X followers on Monday (11.08.25), saying: "Most Holy Father. "Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. "The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry. "We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. "There is no more time. Please say you will go. "Love, Madonna". Alongside the note, the 66-year-old singer - who was raised Roman Catholic - noted she was not "taking sides" by speaking out. She wrote on X: "Politics Cannot affect Change. Only consciousness Can. Therefore I am Reaching out to a Man of God. "Today is my Son Rocco's birthday. I feel the best gift I can give to him as a Mother - is to ask everyone to do what they can to help save the innocent children caught in the crossfire in Gaza. "I am not pointing fingers, placing blame or taking sides. Everyone is suffering. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation. (sic)" Her post received support from the WHO president, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He wrote: "Thank you, @Madonna, for your compassion, solidarity and commitment to care for everyone caught in the #Gaza crisis, especially the children. This is greatly needed. Humanity and peace must prevail." Last month, Pope Leo described the situation in Garza as "dire". He said: "I am following with great concern the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger and remains exposed to violence and death. "I renew my heartfelt appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the full respect of humanitarian law."
