Pope Leo XIV renews his call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
PTI
Last Updated:
Castel Gandolfo, Jul 20 (AP) Pope Leo XIV renewed his call on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect international 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 at the end of his Sunday Angelus prayer from his summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Leo also expressed his 'deep sorrow" for the Israeli attack on the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, which killed three people and wounded 10 others, including the parish priest.
'I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations," the pope added.
The shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza also damaged the church compound, where hundreds of Palestinians have been sheltering from the Israel-Hamas war, now in its 21st month. Israel expressed regret over what it described as an accident and said it was investigating.
'We need to dialogue and abandon weapons," the pope said earlier Sunday, after presiding over Mass at the nearby Cathedral of Albano.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments
First Published:
July 20, 2025, 17:15 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
19 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Israeli military attacks Houthi targets in Yemen's Hodeidah port
The Israeli military attacked Houthi targets in Yemen's Hodeidah port on Monday (July 21, 2025) in its latest assault on the Iran-backed militants, who have been striking ships bound for Israel and launching missiles against it. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the army was "forcefully countering any attempt to restore the terror infrastructure previously attacked." The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV said on Monday that a series of attacks on the port was under way, without providing any details. The Israeli military said in a statement that the port it attacked had been used "among other things, to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are then used by the Houthi to execute terrorist attacks against the State of Israel and its allies." Since Israel's war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea in what they say are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel has responded by launching attacks on Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, including the vital Hodeidah port. "As I have made clear – Yemen's fate is the same as Tehran's. The Houthis will pay a heavy price for launching missiles toward the State of Israel," Katz said. The Houthis' military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said on Monday that the group attacked several targets in Israel with drones, which was in response to Israel's recent attack on Hodeidah port and the continued military campaign against Gaza. Earlier in July, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the Greek ship Eternity C that maritime officials say killed four of the 25 people aboard. In May, the United States announced a surprise deal with the Houthis where it agreed to stop a bombing campaign against them in return for an end to shipping attacks, though the Houthis said the deal did not include sparing Israel.
News18
43 minutes ago
- News18
Champion of poor, marginalised: Congress condoles Achuthanandans demise
New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) The Congress on Monday condoled the passing away of former Kerala chief minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, with Rahul Gandhi hailing him as a champion of the poor and the marginalised who upheld the values of principled politics through bold decisions. Achuthanandan, one of India's most respected Communist figures and a key presence in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said ideological differences aside, Achuthanandan's steadfast commitment to his principles earned him respect as a crusader for democracy. 'My deepest condolences on the passing of former Kerala Chief Minister Comrade V S Achuthanandan, who spent decades in public life," Kharge said in a post on X. 'Ideological differences aside, his steadfast commitment to his principles earned him respect as a crusader for democracy, public welfare and environmental issues," he added. 'My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow comrades," Kharge said. Gandhi said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Achuthanandan, a tireless voice for justice and democracy. 'A champion of the poor and the marginalised, he upheld the values of principled politics through bold decisions — especially on issues of environmental and public welfare," the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said. 'My condolences to his family, comrades, and admirers," he added. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, 'My heartfelt condolences to the family of former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V S Achuthanandan, and to all who were touched by his life and work." 'His contribution to Kerala and to the nation will be respected and remembered for years to come," she said. The veteran leader died at 3:20 pm while undergoing treatment in the critical care unit of the Pattom SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, according to an official bulletin issued by the hospital. Achuthanandan was receiving treatment since June 23, following a cardiac arrest. A founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Achuthanandan was a lifelong champion of workers' rights, land reforms and social justice. He served as Kerala's chief minister from 2006 to 2011 and was elected to the state Assembly seven times, serving three terms as the leader of opposition. PTI ASK RC view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 22:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
43 minutes ago
- News18
Punjab CM Mann emphasises stronger ties with UK in key sectors
Chandigarh, Jul 21 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday emphasised the need for stronger ties with the United Kingdom in key sectors such as textile, horticulture, education, light engineering, sports, bicycle manufacturing and defence. During a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett at his official residence here, the chief minister highlighted the age-old relationship between Punjab and the UK, noting the significant contributions of the Punjabi diaspora to the UK's economy. He also underscored the importance of developing more ambitious and comprehensive agreements, particularly in the aforementioned sectors. In a statement, Mann advocated for the establishment of a structured communication mechanism between the governments of Punjab and the UK. Mann said such a framework would facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, thereby promoting growth and prosperity on both sides. There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Punjab and the UK, particularly in the sectors of mutual importance, Mann said. Raising a pressing concern, Mann drew attention to the exploitation of young people by unscrupulous visa agents who take advantage of their aspirations. He pointed out that these agents often make false promises and employ illegal methods, leading to severe financial and emotional losses for the families of the visa aspirants. Mann also sought the British High Commission's help to check this problem effectively by formulating a joint strategy, especially by making people aware about the correct visa channels. Rowett praised the Punjab government for its firm stance against drug abuse and expressed optimism that the upcoming free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK will prove beneficial for both Punjab and the UK, an official statement said. She also said the British High Commission's 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign and its WhatsApp chatbot provide reliable information on safe and legal pathways to the UK, adding that the Punjab government and the UK can further motivate the people to have direct access to accurate guidance for visa related information. PTI CHS ARI view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 22:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
