The pope’s attention to migration and climate change were well known, but the pope was also attentive to a number of other global issues and challenges like nuclear disarmament, tax justice, development, and the rise of autonomous (A.I.) weapons systems.

A Jerusalem Voice for Justice released a statement expressing solidarity with the Palestinians suffering in Gaza and the West Bank and appealing for help from their fellow Christians worldwide “who see our wounds but do not speak out.”

His appearance today was unannounced but not unexpected as Swiss Guards were posted around the square, a sign that the pope would be present at some point.

The Israeli military began perhaps its most aggressive ground offensive so far in the war to root out what is left of Hamas, maintaining an almost daily pace of incursions and airstrikes. The results have been devastating.

In his commitment to dialogue and his fervent desire for peace, Pope Francis has proven to be a valuable friend to the Jewish people.

To Andriy Zelinskyy, S.J., “Victory is creating a society where a person feels their freedom and dignity, and where a human being remains a human being.”