Pope Leo XIV Urges ‘Courage’ as World Leaders Move to Advance Gaza Peace Deal
Pope Leo XIV has called for courage and determination from all parties involved in efforts to forge a lasting peace agreement for Gaza, as world leaders prepare to gather for a high-level summit aimed at ending the protracted conflict in the region.
Speaking on Sunday at the Vatican during his weekly Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff described the recent agreement to launch a peace process as a “spark of hope in the Holy Land,” urging leaders not to allow the opportunity for reconciliation to fade.
“The agreement to begin the peace process has given a spark of hope in the Holy Land,” the Pope said. “I encourage the parties involved to courageously continue on the path towards a just and lasting peace that respects the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”
His appeal comes as US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are set to co-chair a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, which aims to consolidate a ceasefire and outline a roadmap for sustainable peace and reconstruction in Gaza.
The Vatican has long played a moral and diplomatic role in global peace efforts, and Pope Leo XIV’s message is seen as an attempt to sustain international momentum toward reconciliation after months of devastating violence in the Gaza Strip.
Vatican observers say the Pope’s intervention reflects the Church’s deep concern for civilians caught in the conflict and its continued advocacy for dialogue, humanitarian access, and mutual recognition between Israelis and Palestinians.
Since the escalation of hostilities, the Holy See has repeatedly called for an immediate end to violence, the protection of non-combatants, and renewed commitment to a two-state solution based on justice and mutual security.
As diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, Pope Leo XIV’s message is expected to resonate with world leaders, faith groups, and humanitarian organisations seeking to turn the fragile ceasefire into a foundation for enduring peace in Gaza and across the wider Middle East.
