‘I pray for those families’: Pope Francis calls on Hamas to free Israeli hostages

The death toll in Israel from Hamas' attack has reached 1,300, with more than 3,000 people injured, as hostages remain trapped in Gaza.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 29, 2023.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 29, 2023.

(photo credit: REUTERS/GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE)

ByJACKIE HAJDENBERG/JTA

OCTOBER 13, 2023 03:30

RECOMMENDED STORIES

People applaud as Taoiseach Simon Harris looks on after receiving a majority parliamentary vote to become the next Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, in Dublin, Ireland, April 9, 2024.

Ireland becomes first European country to introduce ban on trade, imports from Israeli settlements

JUNE 26, 2025

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025.

'Every blow to Iran is a benefit': Why Syria allowed Israel bypass its airspace to strike Iran

JUNE 26, 2025

IAF fighter jets taking off for strikes in Iran, June 16, 2025.

'Tehran is beautiful from above, I hope to visit one day' Israeli pilot says after strike on Iran

JUNE 26, 2025

Map showing the range of Israeli strikes on Iran, June 27, 2025.

IDF releases details of damage to Iran's nuclear, missile production sites

JUNE 27, 2025

Hot Opinion

Now that the existential Iranian threat is over, it's time for Netanyahu to resign

ByJPOST EDITORIAL

Amotz Asa-El

Bibi Netanyahu, it's time for you to retire

Netanyahu must use displayed courage vis-à-vis Iran in Gaza war

Why world media blaming Israel for US striking Iran is scary