Pope says conflict between Israel and Hamas has gone beyond war to 'terrorism'
In unscripted remarks Pope Francis acknowledged how "both sides are suffering"
Pope Francis speaks during the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, November 22, 2023. File Photo: REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Pope Francis on Wednesday met separately with Israeli relatives of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians with family in Gaza and said the conflict had gone beyond war to become "terrorism".
Speaking in unscripted remarks at his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square shortly after the early morning meetings in his residence, Francis said he heard directly how "both sides are suffering".
Palestinians attend the weekly general audience by Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, November 22, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
