“This is not war. This is terrorism!”

Pope Francis made this remark on Wednesday (Nov. 22) as he held separate meetings with Israelis whose relatives have been held captives by Hamas militants that slaughtered at least 1,400 people during a raid in Israel on October 7.

Appalled by the sheer number of deaths that multiplied as Israel retaliated with its military might against the terrorists, Pope Francis declared extemporaneously that the fighting must stop, pointing out that both sides “are suffering”.

The Catholic church leader stated: “This is what wars do. But here we have gone beyond wards.”

Pope Francis made his cautious observation even as both Israel and Hamas militants appeared headed to a ceasefire, with the former agreeing to a four day hold of its siege into Gaza in exchange for the release of 53 of the 236 hostages held by the terrorist group since the October 7 attack.

Under the agreement that was unanimously approved by Israel’s legislative body, its government will also release 150 Palestinians from its jails.

Pope Francis urged the faithful to continue praying for the warring groups to finally come to a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Prayers are needed in order for the two sides would “not go ahead with passions which in the end kill everyone.”