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Speaking after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, the Pope Francis said he is following “with apprehension and sorrow” the latest news from Israel “where violence has erupted even more ferociously, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries.

The Pope expressed his sympathy to the families of victims, and said he is praying for them and for “all those who are experiencing hours of terror and anguish.” The Pope invited everyone to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine. Speaking to those assembled the Holy Father said:

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“Please stop the attacks and the weapons and understand that terrorism and war do not lead to any solution, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people. War is always a defeat! Every war is a defeat!”

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Preaching at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Marylebone, Cardinal Nichols said:

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“Today I ask your prayers that, at the intercession of Mary, the Holy Spirit may be a bringer of peace in the conflicts spreading at this time in Israel and Gaza. Having visited Gaza on two occasions, my heart goes out to its people who will now bear the consequences of the attack on Israel by Hamas militants.

“Violence is never a solution. Retribution is never a contribution to peace. Please pray today for that peace. Pray for all who have lost their lives and for the immediate release of those taken hostage.

“Pray especially for the small but active Catholic community in Gaza City who at this moment will be reaching out courageously to their neighbours, trying to offer shelter and support. Today please pray the great prayer of the Rosary that this conflict, in the homeland of Mary herself, will quickly come to an end.”

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In a statement issued on Saturday, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said:

“The too many casualties and tragedies, which both Palestinians and Israeli families have to deal with, will create more hatred and division, and will destroy more and more any perspective of stability.”

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The statement called on the international community and religious leaders to:

“make every effort in helping to de-escalate the situation, restore calm and work to guarantee the fundamental rights of people in the region.”

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Sources: CBCEW and Vatican News