Pope Leo XIV calls for Middle East cease‑fire and urges prayers for France‑Spain wildfires
Pope Leo XIV used his Angelus address on 26 July 2026 in Castel Gandolfo to appeal for an immediate suspension of attacks throughout the Middle East and a rapid return to diplomatic negotiations. He warned that intensified military operations are endangering civilians and worsening shortages of drinking water and electricity in the West Bank and Gaza.
He also expressed solidarity with the victims of the devastating forest fires in France and Spain, asking the faithful to pray for those displaced and for the rescue crews battling the blazes. The fires have forced more than 116 000 people from their homes in Spain – mainly in the provinces of Madrid, Ávila and Castellón – and over 200 000 evacuations in France’s Gironde region near Bordeaux.
In addition, the pope reflected on the Gospel, comparing the Kingdom of God to a hidden treasure and a precious pearl, urging believers to seek spiritual renewal.
Entities: France · Gaza · Pope Leo XIV · Spain · West Bank
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] He prayed for victims of forest fires in Spain and France and expressed solidarity with emergency services. (Wildfire prayers)
- [● 3 SOURCES] He expressed concern about civilian victims in Gaza and the West Bank. (Pope Leo XIV)
- [● 16 SOURCES] The Angelus address was delivered on 26 July 2026 from Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo. (Angelus)
- [● 9 SOURCES] He urged the reopening of diplomatic channels to achieve a just political solution based on equal dignity and rights. (Diplomacy)
- [● 4 SOURCES] He highlighted the Gospel teaching that the Kingdom of God is like a hidden treasure and a pearl. (Scriptural reflection)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV called on all parties in the Middle East to suspend attacks. (Peace appeal)
- [● 7 SOURCES] Intensified military operations threaten civilian lives and worsen water and electricity shortages. (Humanitarian impact)
- [● 4 SOURCES] He will return to the Vatican on Monday after three weeks at Castel Gandolfo. (Schedule)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the wildfires in France and Spain. (Displacement)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern about civilian victims in the West Bank and Gaza. (the Angelus address)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Over 200,000 people have been evacuated in the Gironde region of France near Bordeaux due to the fires. (article reports)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV reflected that the Kingdom of God is likened to a hidden treasure and a precious pearl. (Angelus homily)