Starting the ceasefire, Pope Francis: We pray for dialogue, reconciliation and peace

Pope Francis on Sunday welcomed the cessation of fighting in the Gaza Strip following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the militant group Hamas. After the prayer, Pope Francis asked people gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for reconciliation and hoped for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

“It has been announced that the Gaza ceasefire will come into effect on Sunday. I express my gratitude to all the mediators. It is a good job to mediate, to achieve peace. I thank the mediators and all the parties involved for this important result. I hope that it will be respected by the parties and that all the hostages will finally be able to return home to hug their loved ones. I also hope that humanitarian aid will reach the people of Gaza, who are in such urgent need. Both Israelis and Palestinians need clear signs of hope. I hope that the political authorities of both sides, with the help of the international community, can reach the right solution for two states. I hope that everyone can say yes to dialogue, yes to reconciliation, yes to peace. And we pray for that, for dialogue, reconciliation and peace.” (A2 Televizion)