Pope Leo decries the rise of antisemitism and calls for the release of Gaza hostages

Pope Leo XIV condemned the resurgence of antisemitic hatred and appealed for renewed commitment to peace in the Middle East, while also assuring prayers for victims of a devastating earthquake in the Philippines. “I express my concern about the rise of antisemitic hatred in the world, as unfortunately we saw with the terrorist attack in Manchester a few days ago,” the pope said before leading Sunday’s Angelus prayer. He added that he “continue[s] to be saddened by the immense suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” and urged all leaders “to commit themselves to this path, to bring about a ceasefire and to release the hostages” held by Hamas terrorists.