Sun Sep 15 13:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Pope Francis Calls for Release of Hamas Hostages, Urges Peace in Israel-Palestine Conflict
**Vatican City, September 15, 2024** – During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis appealed for the release of the remaining Hamas hostages, specifically remembering 23-year-old American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five others whose bodies were recovered in Gaza last month.
The pontiff expressed his condolences to the families of the hostages, recalling his meeting with Rachel Goldberg, Hersh’s mother, at the Vatican in November. “I was struck by her humanity. I accompany her in this moment,” he said.
Pope Francis further urged a cessation of the conflict in the region. “Cease the conflict in Palestine and Israel, cease the violence, cease the hatred, release the hostages, continue negotiations, and find peace solutions,” he implored.
Prior to the Angelus, the Pope reflected on the Gospel reading from St. Mark, where Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” He highlighted the importance of truly knowing Jesus, not just in words but through a personal relationship that transforms one’s life.
“Knowing Jesus is a life-changing encounter,” he said. “It changes your way of being, your way of thinking, your relationships, your willingness to forgive, your choices in life. Everything changes if you have truly come to know Jesus!”
The Pope also encouraged U.S. Catholics to vote with their conscience in the upcoming November 5th election, emphasizing the importance of engaging in the democratic process.
In other news, Pope Francis confirmed that he will not be visiting Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, concluding his 12-day apostolic journey to Southeast Asia and Oceania with an interreligious meeting.
First Piper 