He spoke of an "exceptionally grave humanitarian crisis and inconceivable suffering" in Gaza, and condemned the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas as an "atrocious" act of "terrorism and extremism" - renewing his call for the immediate liberation of those still being held hostage in Gaza.
Gaza at center of pope's yearly 'state of the world' speech
STORY: Francis made his comments in a 45-minute-long address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican.