Pope Francis on Thursday stepped up his recent criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave “very serious and

In a yearly address to diplomats delivered on his behalf by an aide, Francis appeared to reference deaths caused by winter cold in Gaza, where there is almost no electricity.

In remarks delivered by aide, pontiff also condemns rise in antisemitism and calls for an end to Ukraine war and other global conflicts

The continued bombardment of Gaza that has killed and maimed civilians almost every day since early October 2023 has long ago ceased to be a war of self-defense.

Pope Francis condemned Israel's military campaign in Gaza on Thursday, calling the humanitarian crisis "very serious and shameful." "We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians," the pope said in an address delivered on his behalf by an aide.