Pope Leo XIV called for Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza during his first General Audience.

The new pontiff's comments, in line with his position on global conflict, come as Israel begins allowing a trickle of aid in that humanitarians say is not enough.

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday appealed for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, calling the situation in the Palestinian enclave "yet more worrying and saddening". "I renew my fervent appeal to allow for the entry of fair humanitarian help and to bring to an end the hostilities,