VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV has appealed for an immediate end to hostilities in Yemen and expressed solidarity with the victims of a deadly attack targeting worshippers in Jordan. Addressing the faithful after the Sunday Angelus on October 25, the Pope highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, offered prayers for those killed and injured in Jordan, and called on the international community to embrace dialogue and peace.
The Pope also drew attention to an upcoming gathering of Church leaders and representatives of different religions in Assisi, Italy, on October 27. The meeting will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the historic interreligious gathering convened by Saint John Paul II in 1986 to pray for peace.
Pope Raises Alarm Over Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
Expressing deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Yemen, Pope Leo XIV specifically highlighted the suffering of people in Taiz, where civilians are struggling to obtain essential supplies, including food, drinking water and medical care.
The Pope made an urgent appeal for an end to the fighting and called for peace and security for Yemen and the wider region.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for hostilities to cease and for the Yemeni people and all the peoples of the region to be guaranteed a life of peace,” he said.
The situation in Taiz remains particularly alarming, as ongoing fighting and road closures have disrupted the delivery of essential goods. Civilians are facing shortages of food, water and fuel, while the lack of reliable humanitarian access is placing additional pressure on already vulnerable communities.
Hospitals are reportedly struggling to maintain essential services amid dwindling supplies of medicines and medical oxygen. Community kitchens that provide meals to disadvantaged families are also facing difficulties as food supplies become increasingly scarce.
The crisis underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and safe access for relief organisations to reach civilians affected by the conflict.
Pope Prays for Victims of Attack on Churchgoers in Jordan
Turning his attention to Jordan, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for those killed and injured in an attack targeting worshippers at St George’s Orthodox Church in Harmoud, in the Karak governorate.
The attack, which reportedly took place on October 23 during a funeral, left nine people dead and approximately 40 others wounded, according to the details provided in the report.
The Pope expressed his closeness to the affected Christian community and the people of Jordan, praising the country’s tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among religious communities.
“I am close to that community and to the entire country, which stands out for its peaceful coexistence and respect among different religions,” he said.
Authorities are continuing their search for those responsible for the attack. At the time of the report, no group had claimed responsibility.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of religious communities and the need to protect places of worship. The Pope’s message emphasised solidarity with the victims and the importance of preserving peaceful relations among people of different faiths.
Assisi Meeting to Mark 40 Years of Interreligious Prayer for Peace
Pope Leo XIV also invited the faithful to unite in prayer with Church leaders and representatives of different religions who are scheduled to gather in Assisi on October 27.
The meeting marks 40 years since Saint John Paul II brought together representatives of various religious traditions in Assisi in 1986 for a historic day of prayer for peace.
The gathering became an important milestone in promoting interreligious dialogue and demonstrating the shared commitment of different faiths to peace, mutual understanding and human dignity.
Against the backdrop of continuing conflicts and humanitarian emergencies around the world, Pope Leo stressed the devastating consequences of war, noting that its impact extends far beyond immediate loss of life and physical destruction.
“Never before has it been so evident that wars, besides sowing death and destruction, impoverish and damage the world,” Pope Leo said.
His remarks highlighted how armed conflicts undermine livelihoods, weaken communities, deepen poverty and obstruct efforts to build a stable and peaceful future.
Pope Calls for Dialogue and a Shared Commitment to Peace
Concluding his appeal, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to continue praying for peace and encouraged world leaders and communities to pursue dialogue rather than violence.
“Let us continue to pray together for peace,” he urged, inviting people to join spiritually with those gathering in Assisi.
“May the Lord inspire choices of dialogue and peace,” he concluded.
The Pope’s appeal brought together three urgent concerns: the humanitarian suffering of civilians in Yemen, the loss of life in the attack on churchgoers in Jordan, and the need for renewed international commitment to peace through dialogue among nations and religions.
As conflicts continue to affect communities across the world, his message called for concrete efforts to end violence, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need, protect vulnerable populations and strengthen peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
