Pope Leo XIV speaks to journalists in Castel Gandolfo (@VaticanNews)
Pope: Trump’s
Gaza peace plan realistic, hopefully Hamas will accept
The Gaza peace
plan, the flotilla approaching the coast, concerns over U.S. nuclear rhetoric,
the Vatican trial on the management of Holy See funds, and a brief comment in
English on controversies surrounding Cardinal Cupich were among the topics
addressed by Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo in a conversation with journalists
before returning to the Vatican.
By Gabriella
Ceraso
The Pope answered
reporters waiting outside Villa Barberini, as has been the custom for nearly a
month every Tuesday evening. “We hope they accept it; so far it seems a
realistic proposal,” Pope Leo XIV said regarding the 20-point peace plan
presented to the White House for Gaza by U.S. President Trump, with the
approval of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. He stressed the importance of a
ceasefire and the release of hostages, adding, “There are very interesting
elements,” and reiterating, “We hope Hamas accepts within the established
timeframe.”
Respect for
people
On the flotilla
approaching Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, amid ongoing tensions, the Pope
highlighted the difficulty of the situation, noting that “there is a desire to
respond to a real humanitarian emergency.” He expressed hope that “there
is no violence and that people are respected.”
Working for
peace
Regarding the
meeting convened by U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth with military
leaders prepared for war, including the use of nuclear weapons, the Pope commented,
“This way of speaking is worrying,” as it reflects increasing tensions. On
President Trump’s decision to rename the department from “Defence” to “War,”
the Holy Father said, “We hope it is just rhetoric.” He noted that it
demonstrates a style of government “that uses force to exert pressure,” and
added, “We hope it works, but that there is no war; we must work for peace.”
No Interference
in Vatican trial
Asked about the
ongoing trial in the Vatican concerning the management of Holy See funds, the Pope
did not comment on the specifics, stating that it “must proceed” and that he
“does not intend to interfere,” leaving it to the judges and defence lawyers to
reach a conclusion.
Look to Church
Teaching
In English, the
Pope was asked for his opinion on the awarding of a prize to Democratic Senator
Dick Durbin, who supports legalised abortion, by Cardinal Blaise Cupich,
Archbishop of Chicago. “I’m not very familiar with the particular case,” Pope
Leo XIV said. “I think it is very important to look at the overall work a
senator has done during, if I am not mistaken, 40 years of service in the
United States Senate.”
The Pope
acknowledged the difficulties and tensions but emphasised that “it is important
to consider many issues related to the teaching of the Church.” He underlined
that saying “I am against abortion” while supporting the death penalty is not
truly pro-life, nor is agreeing with the inhumane treatment of immigrants in
the United States.
“These are very
complex issues. I do not know if anyone has the full truth on them, but I would
first of all ask that there be greater mutual respect, and that together — as
human beings, in that case as American citizens or citizens of Illinois, as
well as Catholics — we say: ‘We need to look closely at all these ethical
issues and find the way forward as a Church.’ Church teaching on each of these
issues is very clear.”
Return to the
Vatican
Pope Leo XIV left
Castel Gandolfo by car around 8:30 p.m., where he had arrived the previous
evening, Monday, September 29. He will return tomorrow afternoon after the
General Audience to meet over 400 religious leaders at the Mariapoli Centre of
the Focolare Movement for the international event “Raising Hope for Climate
Justice.” On the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato
si’, the Pontiff will preside over the “Celebration of Hope,” attended by
climate experts, civil society representatives, and institutional delegates
from around the world.
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