Pope Leo, the first American pontiff in history, reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the urgent release of hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023. Speaking as he departed his country estate in Castel Gandolfo late Tuesday, the Pope expressed cautious optimism about a recently proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities.
“It seems that it is a realistic proposal,” he said, noting the plan includes “elements that I think are very interesting, and I hope Hamas accepts it in the established timeframe.”
The Pope’s remarks come amid growing international attention on a 20-point peace proposal for Gaza announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on September 29, 2025. The initiative, supported by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other world leaders, seeks to end hostilities between Israel and Hamas militants and mandates the return of all hostages within 72 hours of a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Modi described the U.S. plan as a “comprehensive effort to end the Gaza conflict” and a “viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region.” He called on all parties to rally behind the initiative to achieve a durable resolution.
Pope Leo also voiced concern about a flotilla of more than 50 boats intending to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The vessels are reportedly planning to approach within 150 nautical miles of the coastal enclave, which remains under a strict Israeli naval blockade.
While acknowledging the organisers’ aim to respond to the “true humanitarian emergency” in Gaza, Pope Leo highlighted the potential for violent escalation.
The Italian government has warned the flotilla organisers that Israel may treat any attempt to breach the blockade as a “hostile act” and has urged an alternative delivery route through Cyprus. Italian authorities assured that the Catholic Church would oversee safe delivery of aid to Palestinian communities.
Trump’s proposal outlines immediate measures including the staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of 1,950 Palestinian detainees, including 250 serving life sentences, in exchange for Israeli hostages. The plan also envisages a transitional technocratic governance structure for Gaza, overseen by a “Board of Peace” led by Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, tasked with security, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction efforts.
The Palestinian government has welcomed the proposal, pledging to implement reforms outlined by the U.S. and signalling readiness to cooperate. Several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt, have expressed support through a joint statement, confirming willingness to collaborate with the U.S. and other stakeholders to finalise and implement the plan.
European leaders have also backed the initiative. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of securing the release of hostages and urged full engagement from Israel while calling on Hamas to comply immediately. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all parties to work closely with the U.S. administration, emphasizing that Hamas should accept the plan, lay down arms, and release hostages to end the humanitarian crisis.
The 20-point plan comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, with widespread international concern over civilian casualties and humanitarian needs. Pope Leo’s repeated call for a ceasefire and his attention to the safety of aid operations underscore the urgent need for both immediate humanitarian relief and a sustainable framework for peace in the region.
Also Read: India-EFTA Trade Pact Could Generate 1 Million Direct Jobs
