Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the conflict in Yemen and prayed for victims of a violent attack on Orthodox Christians in Jordan. His remarks came as he gradually resumes his public duties following surgery for lung cancer.
I am following with concern the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen, particularly in the city of Taiz, where the population is suffering from a lack of food, water, and medical care,
the pope wrote in a post on X.
Leo issued a strong appeal for a halt to hostilities, allowing civilians in Yemen and the wider region to live in peace. He expressed solidarity with the victims of the Jordan attack, noting the country’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among religious communities.
These remarks mark one of the latest public appearances for the 71-year-old pontiff. He is recovering after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, stating that no further treatment is planned as tests showed the cancer had not spread.
What Is Happening in Yemen
The pope highlighted the dire situation in the Yemeni city of Taiz. Residents there face severe shortages of food, water, and medical care.
Hostilities in Yemen have sharply worsened the humanitarian situation. According to a United Nations press release earlier this month, over 200,000 people have been displaced across Yemen since the beginning of August. This marks the highest level of new displacement since the 2022 truce.
Last week, the U.N. reported that the number displaced due to renewed fighting had surpassed 250,000. About half of those uprooted are taking shelter in Taiz and the surrounding areas.
The Houthis have reportedly closed the sole supply route linking Taiz to Aden, causing an effective blockade. The U.N. Human Rights Office stated on October 20 that this blockade is hindering humanitarian aid and essential supplies. Commodity prices have increased dramatically, leaving many residents without basic necessities. Restrictions on water and essential goods through the Al-Dhabab route have been reported.
Healthcare facilities in Taiz are under pressure. The World Health Organization stated that 42 health facilities there are experiencing acute shortages of resources such as fuel, oxygen, medicines, and medical supplies. These shortages threaten critical services, including emergency surgery, intensive care, dialysis, and maternal and neonatal care.
Reuters reported that families are rationing drinking water due to fuel shortages affecting pumping and sanitation systems. Accumulating garbage along roads is raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks. The ongoing conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthis has cut key supply routes, worsening shortages.
Leo also offered prayers for those affected by the recent attack on Orthodox worshippers in Hamoud, Jordan.
My prayers go out to all those who were injured or lost their lives last Friday in the terrorist attack on worshippers at the Orthodox Church of Saint George in Hamoud, Jordan,
the pope wrote. I express my closeness to the community and the entire country, which is known for its peaceful coexistence and respect between different religions.
In the attack, nine people were killed and around 40 injured when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at the church in Jordan’s Karak governorate.
Jordanian officials described the shooting as an act of terrorism by extremists. Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh stated it was too soon to determine any connections to known groups.
Surveillance footage broadcasted by Jordan’s state-owned Al-Mamlaka television showed three attackers firing at the church before running toward its entrance. Reuters confirmed the footage’s location.
King Abdullah II promised a strong response, asserting that authorities would strike firmly against threats to the nation. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan attributed the attack to extremist ideology at a security meeting while searches for the attackers continued.
Pope Leo addressed the attack after his Sunday Angelus, offering prayers and expressing support for the affected community and country.
I am close to that community and to the entire country, which stands out for its peaceful coexistence and respect among different religions,
he said.
Newsweek reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Anthony Murray and Steve Mollman.