Pope Leo XIV calls for end to hostilities in Yemen, prays for Jordan attack victims

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to hostilities in Yemen and offered prayers for victims of a deadly attack on worshippers at an Orthodox church in Jordan.

Speaking after the weekly Angelus prayer, the pontiff voiced concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, particularly in the city of Taiz, where residents are facing shortages of food, water and medical supplies, according to Vatican News.

“I make a heartfelt appeal for hostilities to cease and for the Yemeni people and all the peoples of the region to be guaranteed a life of peace,” he said.

Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since the Houthis seized Sanaa and several other provinces in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.

The Houthis control much of northern and western Yemen, while government forces and their allies hold Aden and large parts of the country’s southern and eastern provinces.

Turning to Jordan, Leo expressed solidarity with the victims of Friday’s attack targeting worshippers at St. George’s Orthodox Church in Harmoud.

“I am close to that community and to the entire country, which stands out for its peaceful coexistence and respect among different religions,” he said.

Nine people were killed and around 40 others injured when gunmen opened fire during a funeral on Oct. 23.

“Let us continue to pray together for peace… Never before has it been so evident that wars, besides sowing death and destruction, impoverish and damage the world. May the Lord inspire choices of dialogue and peace,” the pope said.