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Madonna Urges Pope Leo to Visit Gaza for Children’s Sake |
American singer Madonna has made an emotional appeal to Pope Leo. She urged him to travel to Gaza and bring light to children before it is too late. The singer shared her message on Instagram on Monday evening, July 2025.
Details of the Appeal
On Monday evening, Madonna posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, addressing Pope Leo directly. She wrote, “Holy Father, please go to Gaza and bring your light for the children before it is too late.”
As a mother, Madonna said she could not bear the suffering of innocent children. She stressed that all children belong to everyone in the world. According to her, Pope Leo is the only person who can enter Gaza without being stopped.
Her appeal came at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened due to severe restrictions on aid. Since March 2025, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on food and humanitarian supplies to Gaza, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition.
Experts and Leaders’ Reactions
Human rights groups have been calling for urgent intervention in Gaza for months. The latest call from Madonna adds a celebrity voice to an already growing demand from religious and political leaders.
Last month, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Jerusalem’s highest-ranking Catholic leader, made a rare visit to Gaza. Their visit came just days after an Israeli attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which killed three Palestinians and injured several others.
While Pope Leo initially acknowledged the loss of life, he did not blame Israel, drawing criticism and comparisons to his predecessor Pope Francis, who openly condemned Israel’s war actions. Later, Pope Leo stated that Israeli forces carried out the attack.
Background and Past Incidents
The Holy Family Church is the last Catholic church in Gaza. The recent attack has intensified calls for international action. In May 2025, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S. and Israel-backed organization, took over aid distribution. However, reports suggest that the aid provided is far less than needed.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, since the start of the war, at least 222 Palestinians have died from hunger, including 101 children. Human rights monitors have accused Israeli forces of opening fire on people waiting for food aid, killing around 1,800 Palestinians.
Madonna, despite her long history of disagreements with the Catholic Church, made it clear that her appeal was not about politics. “I am not blaming anyone or taking sides. Everyone is suffering, including the mothers of hostages. I am praying for their release too. I just want to prevent these children from dying of hunger,” she said.
Possible Future Developments
Madonna’s message may put additional pressure on Pope Leo to take visible action. Religious leaders often play a symbolic role in humanitarian crises, and a visit by the Pope could raise global awareness. However, it is uncertain if such a visit would lead to immediate policy changes or relief for Gaza’s population.
Some analysts believe Pope Leo’s presence in Gaza could open humanitarian corridors. Others remain cautious, noting the complex political and military realities.
Conclusion
Madonna’s appeal highlights the desperate humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for global action. Whether Pope Leo will respond to her call remains uncertain. What is clear is that the suffering of Gaza’s children continues to move people around the world, from religious leaders to celebrities.
Source References
- Middle East Eye
- Gaza Health Ministry Reports
- Reuters News Agency
Disclaimer
This article is based on verified reports from reliable news outlets and official statements. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of July 2025.