STORY: Pope Leo on Sunday (October 5) said he hoped that a peace plan for Gaza would soon reach the "desired results", after acknowledging the significant steps made in the negotiations to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer, the pontiff asked all parties involved to commit to the peace process, emphasizing the urgent need to end the conflict and establish a "just and lasting peace".

He also renewed calls for a permanent ceasefire in the nearly two-year conflict and the release of hostages held in Gaza.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, who was elected by the world's cardinals in May to replace late Pope Francis has been more cautious about the Israel-Hamas conflict than his predecessor.

The pope also expressed his concern over "the rise of anti-Semitic hatred," as evidenced by the attack on Thursday (October 2) at a synagogue in Manchester, where two people were killed on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for Jews.

The pontiff also addressed his thoughts to the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the central Philippines on Tuesday (September 30).

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (OCTOBER 5, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO SITTING ON ALTAR IN ST PETER'S SQUARE

2. VIEW OF SQUARE FROM BEHIND THE ALTAR

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"I express my concern about the rise of anti-Semitic hatred around the world, as we have sadly seen with the terrorist attack in Manchester a few days ago. I continue to be saddened by the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people in Gaza."

4. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"In recent hours, amid the dramatic situation in the Middle East, significant progress has been made in the peace negotiations, which I hope will soon achieve the desired results. I ask all those responsible to commit themselves to this path, to cease the fire and to release the hostages, while I urge everyone to remain united in prayer so that the ongoing efforts may bring an end to the war and lead us towards a just and lasting peace."

6. CLERGYMEN APPLAUDING

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING (BITE CONTINUES ON SHOT OF PEOPLE APPLAUDING):

"On the evening of Tuesday, 30 September, a strong earthquake struck the central region of the Philippines, particularly the province of Cebu and neighbouring provinces. I express my closeness to the dear Filipino people, and in particular, I pray for those who are most severely affected by the consequences of the earthquake."

8. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"I would like to greet and thank all of you who have participated in this jubilee celebration dedicated to missionaries and migrants."

10. ST PETER'S SQUARE

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING (BITE CONTINUES ON SHOT OF PEOPLE WAVING FLAGS):

"No one should be forced to leave, exploited or mistreated because of their need or their status as a foreigner. Human dignity must always come first."

12. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

13. VARIOUS OF POPE WAVING TO CROWDS IN SQUARE FROM POPEMOBILE

14. POPE GREETING CHILDREN ON POPEMOBILE

15. VARIOUS OF POPEMOBILE MOVING THROUGH CROWDS