Rarely does the Bishop of Rome speak on political matters. But he just couldn’t help himself.
And now Pope Leo gave Donald Trump a rousing endorsement no one saw coming.
Pope Leo Backs Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal
Pope Leo has commended Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, expressing optimism that Hamas would embrace it.
The American leader introduced the initiative amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s White House appearance on Monday.
Hamas played no role in the discussions shaping the outline, which urges the faction to lay down arms—a stipulation it has dismissed before. Officials indicated they would examine the proposal earnestly and reply accordingly.
During Tuesday’s remarks, the Pope described the framework as bearing “very interesting elements”, adding: “I hope Hamas will accept it within the established timeframe.”
Core Elements of the 20-Point Framework
Under the terms outlined by Mr. Trump, mutual consent would trigger an instant halt to hostilities, Israeli troops pulling back to “the agreed upon line”, and a massive influx of assistance to Gaza, site of over 66,000 Palestinian deaths since October 7, 2023.
All captives—whether deceased or surviving—would be repatriated in 72 hours, accompanied by the liberation of numerous Palestinian detainees.
Interim administration of Gaza would fall to a panel blending Palestinian and global specialists, supervised by a fresh multinational entity dubbed the “Board of Peace”.
Mr. Trump would lead the “Board of Peace” as chair, collaborating with global figures such as ex-British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair.
Although the blueprint has garnered endorsements from Israel and nations including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hamas remains uncommitted.
On Tuesday, Mr. Trump warned that a refusal from Hamas would grant Mr. Netanyahu his “full backing to do what you would have to do”.
Pope Leo Addresses Thunberg’s Aid Flotilla Amid Escalating Risks
The Pope also weighed in on Greta Thunberg’s global aid convoy aiming to ferry relief supplies to Gaza on Tuesday.
This 44-vessel armada is inching nearer the Gaza coastline, intent on piercing Israel’s maritime cordon around the Palestinian enclave to distribute essentials.
Israel has pledged robust action to safeguard the blockade, with concerns mounting that the convoy could face Israeli strikes shortly.
“From all sides, people are saying, ‘Let’s hope that there will not be violence, that people are respected.’ That’s very important,” the Pope remarked to journalists departing his Castel Gandolfo retreat on Tuesday.
The episode follows an incident where the flotilla endured drone assaults deploying stun grenades and irritants in international waters near Crete on Wednesday, resulting in structural harm but no casualties.
