Pope Leo on Sunday (October 25) expressed concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, appealing for peace in the country and the wider conflict-stricken region.

Fighting between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-allied Houthi group since September has cut key supply routes, worsening shortages of water, food and fuel in and around Yemen's Taiz city.

Leo also offered his prayers to the victims of the shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud, Jordan, where nine people died and 40 were wounded on Friday (October 23).

"Never has it been more evident than today that wars, as well as sowing death and destruction, impoverish and harm the world," the Pope said as he prayed for peace before the crowds in St Peter's Square.

Leo, who was diagnosed with lung cancer and had part of his right lung removed in surgery on October 13, spoke clearly during his address from the window of the Apostolic Palace.

Following medical advice, he cancelled a planned October 27 visit to the Italian town of Assisi in order to avoid a helicopter flight. The Vatican has not said whether he will be able to go ahead with a scheduled November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VATICAN CITY (OCTOBER 25, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. WINDOW OF PAPAL APARTMENT OPENING

2. POPE LEO APPEARING FROM WINDOW, WAVING TO CROWDS

3. CROWDS IN ST PETER'S SQUARE CHEERING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"I am following with concern the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen, particularly in the city of Taiz, where the population is suffering from a lack of food, water and medical care. I make a heartfelt appeal for hostilities to cease and for the Yemeni people and all the peoples of the region to be guaranteed the right to live in peace."

5. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"I offer my prayers for all those killed and injured last Friday in the terrorist attack against the faithful of the Orthodox Church of Saint George in Hamoud, Jordan. My thoughts are with that community and the whole country, renowned for peaceful coexistence and respect among different religions."

7. CROWDS APPLAUDING

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"Never has it been more evident than today that wars, as well as sowing death and destruction, impoverish and harm the world. May the Lord inspire choices of dialogue and peace."

9. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING

10. PEOPLE WAVING CAPS

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING (SOUNDBITE STARTS ON PREVIOUS SHOT):

"I wish you all a happy Sunday."

12. POPE WAVING FROM WINDOW, LEAVING