International pop icon Madonna has called on Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza and “bring your light to the children before it’s too late,” urging urgent humanitarian intervention amid the ongoing crisis.
The singer made the heartfelt appeal on social media Monday, inspired by her son Rocco’s 25th birthday. Addressing the pontiff directly, she wrote, “Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it’s too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering.”
Madonna emphasized the shared responsibility toward the children, adding, “The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry. We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna.”
She clarified that her message was not meant to blame any side in the conflict. “I am not pointing fingers, placing blame or taking sides. Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. I pray that they are released as well. I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation,” she said.
Pope Leo XIV recently reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging the global community to respect humanitarian laws and protect civilians.
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“I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” the pope said last month.
Aid workers and doctors have warned that children in Gaza are increasingly dying from malnutrition after months of Israeli blockade and disrupted supply chains. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has displaced most of Gaza’s roughly 2 million residents and pushed the region toward famine.
According to the United Nations, over 5,000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in Gaza in May, though the actual figure is believed to be higher. Medical professionals face severe shortages of supplies necessary to treat these children.
Israel denies allegations of famine or starvation among children, claiming it has provided sufficient food throughout the conflict. The Israeli government accuses Hamas of causing shortages by diverting aid and controlling food distribution.
Source: Agency