Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on September 30, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GooglePope Leo praises Trump's Gaza peace plan, urging Hamas to accept it. He stresses non-violence amid international aid efforts facing Israeli threats.
ROME (Reuters) -Pope Leo on Tuesday praised U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza, and expressed hope that the Palestinian militant group Hamas would endorse it.
"There are very interesting elements" in the plan, the pope was quoted as saying by Italy's ANSA news agency. "I hope Hamas will accept it within the established timeframe."
Hamas was not part of the talks that led to the proposal, which calls on the group to disarm, a demand it has previously rejected. It has said it will review the plan in good faith and provide a response.
Leo spoke to reporters as he was leaving his Castel Gandolfo summer residence, which he has taken to visiting regularly.
He also commented on the international aid flotilla that is trying to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza, and which risks being attacked by Israel in the coming hours.
Israel has vowed to take all necessary measures to defend the naval blockade it has imposed on Gaza while it conducts its war against Hamas.
"From all sides, people are saying, 'Let's hope that there will not be violence, that people are respected.' That's very important," the pope said.
(Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Humanitarian aid refers to assistance provided to people in need, typically during crises such as natural disasters or conflicts, aimed at saving lives and alleviating suffering.
Disarmament is the process of reducing or eliminating military weapons and armed forces, often aimed at promoting peace and security among nations.
The financial community encompasses institutions and individuals involved in financial services, including banks, investors, and regulators, playing a crucial role in economic stability and growth.
International aid is vital for supporting countries in crisis, helping to rebuild economies, provide essential services, and promote stability and development in affected regions.
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