Pope Leo XIV marked the second anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel by urging an end to hatred and renewed dialogue for peace in the Middle East. Speaking in Castel Gandolfo, he reflected on the toll of the ongoing conflict, noting that “around 67,000 Palestinians have been killed” since the 2023 assault that killed 1,200 people.
Condemning both terrorism and rising antisemitism, the Pope reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to “respect for the dignity of every person” and called on the faithful to continue praying for peace.
The remarks came as the Vatican confirmed the Pope’s upcoming visit to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2, a trip he said aims to promote unity among Christians and bring “a message of peace and hope” to Lebanon’s people.
According to Vatican News, the visit to Lebanon is primarily intended to bring comfort to a nation that, since the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, has endured one hardship after another. “In Lebanon,” the Pope explained, “I will have the opportunity to once again proclaim the message of peace in the Middle East, in a country that has suffered so much. Pope Francis wanted to go there too. He wanted to embrace the people of Lebanon after the explosion, after everything they’ve endured. We will try to bring this message of peace and hope.”
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