Pope Leo calls ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel a 'spark of hope'

 VATICAN CITY – Speaking at Sunday’s Angelus, Pope Leo XIV called the new ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel a “a spark of hope in the Holy Land.”

  Hamas and Israel came to a new ceasefire agreement on Friday after ongoing fighting for over two years, following U.S. president Donald Trump's peace deal. Negoations are ongoing. A previous ceasefire agreement had been reached in Jan 2025, however fighting resumed in March 2025.

  The pontiff encouraged all parties involved “to continue courageously on the path they have chosen, towards a just and lasting peace that respects the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.” Addressing those who have “brutally” lost “children, parents, friends and possessions”, the Pope said that he and the “entire Church” are “close to [their] immense pain.”

  Pope Leo XIV gave his condolences to those in Ukraine, following recent attacks throughout the country, and prayed for the victims of workplace accidents in Italy.

  The pontiff also said he is praying for Peru, during a “time of political transition”, after a Congress vote of no confidence led to the removal of President Dina Boularte. Pope Leo previously lived in Peru for 20 years and holds Peruvian citizenship.

  The pope closed his Angelus speech by encouraging dialogues of peace, reconciliation and national unity, returning to his message that “the other is not an enemy, but a brother or sister to be seen.”