Pope Leo addresses suffering in Gaza and attack in Manchester

Pope Leo XIV has called on political leaders to “commit themselves” to the ongoing Israel-Hamas peace negotiations, which he described as showing “significant steps forward”.

Speaking at the close of Mass in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Leo condemned the “immense suffering” inflicted on the inhabitants of Gaza and expressed his hope that an Israel-Hamas peace deal will be finalised “as soon as possible”. He also condemned the rise of “antisemitic hatred” worldwide, highlighting Thursday’s attack on a synagogue in Manchester, England, reports Vatican News.

“I express my concern about the rise of antisemitic hatred in the world, as unfortunately we saw with the terrorist attack in Manchester a few days ago,” the Pope said.

“I continue to be saddened by the immense suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza."

He continued: “In recent hours, in the dramatic situation in the Middle East, some significant steps forward have been taken in peace negotiations, which I hope will achieve the desired results as soon as possible.  

“I ask all those in positions of responsibility to commit themselves to this path, to bring about a ceasefire and to release the hostages. 

"At the same time, I urge everyone to remain united in prayer, so that the ongoing efforts may put an end to the war and lead us towards a just and lasting peace.”

Three people were killed, including the attacker, as a result of an attack at a synagogue in the North West English city of Manchester on Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and repentance and the holiest in the Jewish calendar.

The UK is currently experiencing an epidemic of antisemitic attacks. 2023 saw the highest number of recorded incidents, with 2024 close behind. In 2024, attacks against Jews accounted for 33.64 per cent of all religious hate crimes, despite Jews making up just 0.46 per cent of the population.

A recent US peace plan for Gaza has seen Hamas release a statement agreeing to free the hostages it still holds, while Israel has called a halt to military offensive operations for the time being, reports the BBC.

The Pope's comments were delivered at the end of Mass for the Jubilee of Missionaries and Migrants.

Photo: Pope Leo XIV gestures to the faithful from the popemobile as he leaves St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after the Jubilee Mass for the Missionary World and Migrants, 5 October 2025. (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images.)

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