On Sunday, the day the cease-fire came into effect, Pope Francis did not want to hide his satisfaction.
POPE FRANCIS
I express gratitude to all the mediators. This is a good job of mediating so that peace can be made. Thank you to the mediators! And also thank all the parties involved in this important outcome.
At the same time, from the Vatican, the pontiff asked that the agreement not remain a dead letter.
POPE FRANCIS
I hope that what has been agreed upon will be respected immediately by the parties and that all the hostages will finally be able to return home and re-embrace their loved ones. I pray so much for them and their families. I also hope that humanitarian aid will reach the people of Gaza, who so urgently need it, even faster and in large quantities.
The pope also spoke of the release of more than 500 prisoners from Cuban jails in recent days.
POPE FRANCIS
This is a gesture of great hope that embodies one of the intentions of this Jubilee year. I hope that in the coming months, we will continue to undertake initiatives of this type, which instill confidence in the journey of people and populations.
The pope insisted on praying for peace in the other regions of the world plagued by violence.
