Pope Francis denounced Israeli strikes on Lebanon during his general audience, labeling them a “terrible escalation”. He expressed sorrow over the casualties, urging the international community to intervene and halt the violence. The strikes reportedly resulted in 569 deaths in Lebanon, including many children. Despite health issues, the Pope is proceeding with upcoming international engagements.
Pope Francis condemned the recent Israeli military strikes on Lebanon, characterizing them as a “terrible escalation” in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. His remarks, made during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, came after the strikes, which Israel claimed were directed at targets associated with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Although the Pope did not explicitly name Israel in his comments, he expressed deep sorrow regarding the reported devastation and civilian casualties resulting from the bombardments, stating that the situation was “unacceptable” and calling on the international community to take decisive action to stop the violence. According to Lebanon’s caretaker Health Minister Firass Abiad, Israeli assaults since Monday have resulted in the deaths of 569 individuals, including 50 children, and inflicted injuries on 1,835 others. Despite being in good spirits during the audience, the 87-year-old pontiff exhibited light coughing as he spoke, a rare occurrence amidst his ongoing health challenges, which have led him to utilize a wheelchair. This week’s audience marked a preparation for his upcoming trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, scheduled to begin Thursday. Having recently returned from an extensive 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, which included 40 public events and spanned over 33,000 kilometers, Pope Francis is maintaining a vigorous schedule. He commenced the audience by greeting participants while traveling in an open-air popemobile, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with people even amid pressing international concerns.
The Middle East conflict has been exacerbated by recent military engagements involving Israel, particularly with groups such as Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. The situation has led to heightened tensions in the region, resulting in significant loss of life and humanitarian crises. Pope Francis, as a global religious leader, often addresses issues of peace and conflict, urging the international community to intervene in humanitarian crises and advocating for the protection of civilians caught in military actions.
In summary, Pope Francis’s condemnation of the Israeli military actions in Lebanon highlights the urgent need for international intervention in the escalating violence in the region. His recognition of the heavy civilian toll, particularly among children, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. As he prepares for his continued international engagements, the Pope reiterates the importance of peace and the protection of the vulnerable, calling for proactive measures to end hostilities.
Original Source: english.aawsat.com
