(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 11.20.2024).- On November 14, Pope Francis welcomed a group of former hostages and their families to the Vatican, offering a poignant moment of solidarity amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis following the October 7, 2023, attacks. The delegation, which included ten women, four men, and two children, shared harrowing stories of captivity and loss during their private audience with the pontiff in the Apostolic Palace.
The Pope expressed deep compassion for the victims and reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to advocating for the release of those still held captive in Gaza. According to reports, 63 individuals remain detained by Hamas.
A Gesture of Global Solidarity
The hour-long meeting underscored the Vatican’s role as a voice for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. Participants described the encounter as both heartfelt and impactful. “We didn’t come in vain,” one attendee remarked, highlighting their hope that Pope Francis’s moral authority might influence efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Gaya Kalderon, a 22-year-old who attended the meeting, voiced her anguish over her father’s continued captivity. “Our life is a living hell; we have no life anymore,” she said, capturing the collective despair of families torn apart by violence.
Condemning Crimes Against Humanity
In a press conference following the audience, the Israeli delegation condemned the kidnappings as “an absolute crime against humanity.” They called for international intervention and swift action to bring the remaining hostages home, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
This meeting follows Pope Francis’s ongoing engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian families affected by the conflict. Earlier this year, on April 8, he met with five Israeli families whose relatives had been abducted, signaling his unwavering dedication to dialogue and justice.
A Pontiff’s Call for Ceasefire and Compassion
Pope Francis has consistently called for peace in the region. In a message earlier this month, he urged an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon, and reiterated the need for the swift release of all hostages held in Gaza.
During his general audience in St. Peter’s Square last Wednesday, the Pope extended his prayers to the 150 Palestinian civilians who had recently lost their lives, highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict on all sides.
Building Bridges Amid Crisis
This meeting reflects the Vatican’s enduring role as a bridge-builder in some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. By offering a platform for those affected by violence, Pope Francis amplifies calls for justice and peace, transcending political divides.
As families await news of their loved ones, the hope remains that global leaders and humanitarian advocates will heed the Pope’s call: to prioritize the sanctity of human life, to end cycles of violence, and to restore dignity to those who continue to suffer in silence.
This moment in the Apostolic Palace, marked by shared grief and quiet determination, serves as a reminder that even amid profound despair, the pursuit of peace is not just a dream but a moral imperative.
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