Camille Naredo

Pope Francis addresses the audience during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican on January 8, 2025. Alberto Pizzoli, AFP

Pope Francis addresses the audience during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican on January 8, 2025.

Article (news)

Pope Francis

Agence France-Presse

VATICAN CITY, Holy See -- Pope Francis called Sunday for a ceasefire in Gaza to be &quot;immediately respected&quot;, as he thanked mediators and urged a boost in humanitarian aid as well as the return of hostages.&quot;I express gratitude to all the mediators,&quot; the Argentine pontiff said shortly after the start of a truce between Israel and Hamas began.&quot;Thanks to all the parties involved in this important outcome. I hope that, as agreed, it will be immediately respected by the parties and that all the hostages will finally be able to go home to hug their loved ones again&quot;, he said.&quot;I pray so much for them, and their families. I also hope that humanitarian aid will even more quickly reach... the people of Gaza, who have so many urgent needs&quot;, Francis said.&quot;Both Israelis and Palestinians need clear signs of hope. I hope that the political authorities of both, with the help of the international community, can reach the right two-state solution.&quot;May everyone say yes to dialogue, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace&quot;, he added.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/1/19/deadly-strikes-on-gaza-after-israel-says-ceasefire-delayed-1028">READ: Israel says truce with Hamas begins, after delay</a></div>A total of 33 hostages taken by militants during Hamas&#x27;s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel are scheduled to be returned from Gaza during an initial 42-day truce.Under the deal, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are to be released from Israeli jails.The truce is intended to pave the way for an end to more than 15 months of war sparked by Hamas&#x27;s attack, the deadliest in Israeli history.It follows a deal struck by mediators Qatar, the United States and Egypt after months of negotiations, and takes effect on the eve of Donald Trump&#x27;s inauguration as US president.<div>© Agence France-Presse</div>

Pope Francis called Sunday for a ceasefire in Gaza to be "immediately respected", as he thanked mediators and urged a boost in humanitarian aid as well as the return of hostages.

Pope Francis called Sunday for a ceasefire in Gaza to be "immediately respected", as he thanked mediators and urged a boost in humanitarian aid as well as the return of hostages.

Pope calls for Gaza ceasefire to be 'immediately respected'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

World

Pope calls for Gaza ceasefire to be 'immediately respected'

Agence France-Presse

Published January 19, 2025 11:04 PM PHT

Read More:

absnews

Pope Francis

Gaza

Israel

Hamas

Israel-Hamas War

ceasefire

Palestine

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.