This is cruelty. I want to say this because it touches my heart,” Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oren Mamorstein said in response that the pope is “ignoring Hamas’ cruelty.”Calling for a ceasefireOn Wednesday,

The Pope also addressed the war in Ukraine, calling for the “sound of arms to be silenced in war-torn Ukraine”

Israeli bombardments and blockades threaten the existence of one of the oldest Christian communities in the world

Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message urges everyone to find courage 'to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions' plaguing the world.

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.”

He made the remarks a day after the start of 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.

The Pope delivered his Christmas Day message overlooking crowds of thousands of international pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

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.

He referred specifically to the wars between Russia and Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. He also called for an end to other conflicts, whether political, social or military.

Pope Francis in his Christmas message called for talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the war that followed Moscow's full-scale invasion two years ago.

Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message has urged “all people of all nations” to find courage during this Holy Year “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions."