By Jude Atupulazi
Pope Francis on Sunday made a pressing appeal against what he termed a spiral of violence after Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel, warning of a potential regional conflagration.
His words, ‘I make a pressing appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict,’ the Argentinian pontiff declared following his traditional Sunday prayer in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
‘I am praying and following with concern, but also pain, the news that has come in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran’s intervention,’ the pope told worshippers.
He appealed that no one should threaten the existence of others, noting that all countries must, however, side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side and in security.
‘That is their right,’ Pope Francis insisted, as he once again repeated earlier calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and for negotiation.
The pontiff furthermore demanded that the world help the population facing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urged for the immediate release of the hostages kidnapped months ago by Hamas, triggering the latest chapter of violence in the region.
Culled from Vatican News
