Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden discussed the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other wars in the world in a telephone conversation, the Vatican announced on Sunday.
“The conversation lasted about 20 minutes and was focused on conflict situations in the world and the need to find ways to peace,” the Vatican said, according to Hina news agency.
According to a statement from the White House, Biden and the Pope discussed the need to stop the escalation and find ways to a lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Israel is preparing for a ground attack on Gaza, two weeks after a Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,400 people.
Earlier, Francis told the crowd in St. Peter’s Square that he was deeply saddened by the “difficult situation in Gaza”, where an Anglican hospital and a Greek Orthodox church were bombed. “Stop, brothers,” said Francis.
Biden, who is Catholic, said on Saturday that he had spoken with the Israelis when they asked him if he was encouraging them to delay the Gaza aggression.
Hamas said it took about 200 people hostage during raids on communities and military bases in southern Israel.
The Pope has called several times for the release of the hostages.
