Pope

The pope is not alone in confusing white flags with white smoke while the world burns.

He also stressed that such blessings do not amount to formal Church approval for same-sex unions.

Blessings were allowed last month in a document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which has caused widespread debate in the Catholic Church.

Defending Israel's right to self-defense, Chief Rabbi of South Africa Dr. Warren Goldstein accused the Pope of "primitive pacifism."

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was still under review and had no immediate comment on the pope's words.

"Many hostages have been freed but many are still in Gaza. We think of them, of their families, who had seen a light, a hope of embracing their loved ones again."

The Pope asked for prayers so that both sides would "not go ahead with passions, which in the end, kill everyone".

The Vatican has been vocal in calling for the release of all hostages as well as a ceasefire.

The hostages, captured by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, are reported to be in dire conditions, with fears of torture and urgent medical needs.

WJC said its “Kishreinu” initiative was a response to Nostra Aetate, the landmark 1965 document that modernized the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church, Judaism and other religions.