Re: Hamas hopes new pope will strengthen advocacy for the oppressed

Pope Leo XIV, just now in his first speech of the Vatican and Sunday’s blessing from the balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro to the crowds in the Plaza de San Pedro, asked for the end of the war. Ukraine and Gaza specifically mentioned, and requested the provision of humanitarian aid to the “exhausted” population of Gaza. Not only Francis was so overwhelming. He then directed the crowds by signing a Catholic anthem to Mary, which is the tradition in the Easter season. But I think he also knows very well that Mary (Miriam) is honored by Catholics and Muslims, each in his own way.