Pope expresses closeness to suffering Palestinians and Israelis

Addressing the crowds in Saint Peter's Square following the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis addressed the very serious situation in Israel and Palestine, underscoring his closeness to all those suffering, Palestinians and Israelis. He said he remembers and prays for them every day, and he offers them his "embrace" at "this dark moment."

"May the weapons be stopped: they will never lead to peace, and may the conflict not widen! Enough! Enough, brothers! In Gaza, let the wounded be rescued immediately, let civilians be protected, let far more humanitarian aid be allowed to reach that stricken population. May the hostages be freed, including the elderly and children. Every human being, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, every human being is sacred, is precious in the eyes of God and has the right to live in peace. Let us not lose hope: let us pray and work tirelessly so that the sense of humanity may prevail over hardness of heart.