This is cruelty, this is not war,” the pope told members of the government of the Holy See. After his Saturday comments, Israel's foreign mini

For the second time in the last couple of days, Pope Francis condemned Israel s actions in Gaza during his official remarks

Pope Francis said the story of Jesus' birth as a poor carpenter's son should instil hope that all people can make an impact on the world, as the pontiff on Tuesday led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas.

Pope Francis called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as for the release of hostages, adding aid needs to be given to the people “worn out by hunger and by war.”

The pope also voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in his Christmas address, labeling the situation "extremely grave."

Pope Francis on Wednesday urged “all people of all nations” to find the courage “to silence the sounds of arms" and overcome divisions plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia (Dec.

He made the remarks a day after the start of the Roman Catholic Church’s Holy Year, known as a Jubilee, which takes place every quarter century. On Tuesday evening, Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica so that the first pilgrims could go through. Millions more are expected to follow over the year.

Pope Francis has called for a “negotiation” to end the war in Ukraine in a Christmas Day message where he appealed for weapons to be laid down in global conflicts and reconciliation between enemies.