#SHOWBIZ: Madonna urges Pope Leo to visit Gaza, pleads for aid to starving children
The American pop icon, who was raised Roman Catholic, made her appeal in an Instagram post on Aug 11, addressing the pontiff directly.
"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 wrote.
Madonna explained she turned to the pope because she believes political solutions alone cannot end the crisis.
"Politics cannot affect change. Only consciousness can," she said.
Her plea coincided with her son Rocco's birthday, which she used as an opportunity to highlight the plight of children in Gaza.
"I feel the best gift I can give him as a mother is to ask everyone to do what they can to help save the innocent children caught in the crossfire," she added.
The 65-year-old stressed she was not taking sides in the conflict.
"I am not pointing fingers, placing blame, or taking sides. Everyone is suffering, including the mothers of the hostages. I pray they are released as well," she said.
Pope Leo, who assumed the papacy in May, has been openly critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza and has repeatedly expressed concern for Palestinian civilians.
The Vatican has not yet issued a response to Madonna's request, and it remains unclear whether Israel would grant the pope entry into Gaza.
Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has restricted access to the enclave, even to humanitarian aid groups and journalists.
Other artistes who have spoken out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza — where thousands face severe food shortages amid ongoing fighting — include U2 and Massive Attack.
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