Pope Francis led a moment of silence to pray for the aid workers killed in Gaza and a Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandre who lost his life in the conflict. The Pope called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. He also urged for humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza and for efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating.
During his general audience, Pope Francis displayed a rosary and a camouflaged New Testament book that belonged to the young Ukrainian soldier Oleksandre, who was killed in Avdijevka. These items were given to the Pope by Sr. Lucia Caram, a nun who has been involved in humanitarian missions to Ukraine.
