Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David criticized the state of Israel on Christmas Eve for its relentless attacks in Gaza that have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians—echoing the scathing pronouncements of Pope Francis.

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 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.”

JERUSALEM – Israel accused Pope Francis of “double standards” on Dec 21 after he condemned the bombing of children in Gaza as “cruelty” following an air strike that killed seven children from one family.

Israel accused Pope Francis of "double standards" Saturday after he condemned the bombing of children in Gaza as "cruelty" following an air strike that killed seven children from one family.

Pope Francis reflected on the devastating consequences of the Gaza war in an address at the Vatican on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the bombing of children in the Gaza Strip the previous day.

The pope inaugurated the Catholic Church's historic 2025 Jubilee of "Hope" on Christmas Eve at the Vatican in traditional ceremonies before he addressed thousands of Catholic faithful.

Pope Francis called for peace around the world and for global conflicts to end in his annual “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas message to the faithful.

"I invite every individual, and all people of all nations ... to become pilgrims of hope, to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions," the pope said from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica to throngs of people below.

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas message and blessing from the Vatican at noon local time.