American music legend Madonna has made a passionate plea to Pope Leo, calling on him to visit war-torn Gaza and take a stand that transcends politics. In a heartfelt message shared on her social media pages, the 65-year-old pop icon insisted that the pontiff is “the only one who cannot be denied entry” and warned that “time is running out” for the people of Gaza.
Since assuming office, Pope Leo has been one of the most outspoken global leaders on the crisis, condemning the “barbarity of war” and calling for an end to indiscriminate violence, collective punishment, and the targeting of civilians. His consistent appeals have urged world powers to uphold humanitarian law and protect innocent lives.
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Madonna, who was raised in the Catholic faith, said her appeal was inspired by her son Rocco’s birthday. “As a mother, I believe the best gift I can give him is to encourage everyone to help save the innocent children caught in the conflict in Gaza,” she wrote. “Only awareness can create change. That’s why I’m reaching out to a Man of God. I’m not assigning blame or taking sides, everyone is suffering, including the mothers of the hostages. I pray for their release as well.”
Her call comes amid alarming humanitarian reports from the United Nations. UNICEF recently warned that every child under five in Gaza is now at risk of severe malnutrition, a crisis that was virtually unheard of just 20 months ago. By the end of May, more than 50,000 children had been killed or injured since October 2023.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, publicly thanked Madonna for her compassion and advocacy. “Humanity and peace must prevail. Thank you, Madonna, for your solidarity and commitment to caring for everyone affected by the Gaza crisis, especially the children. This support is greatly needed,” he said.
Madonna’s appeal adds a powerful celebrity voice to the mounting global pressure on leaders to take decisive humanitarian action in Gaza, a conflict zone where, as she puts it, the world cannot afford to look away any longer.
