Wed Sep 25 08:21:10 UTC 2024: ## Pope Francis Condemns Israeli Strikes in Lebanon, Urges International Action
**VATICAN CITY** – Pope Francis has condemned the recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon as a “terrible escalation” of the Middle East conflict, calling for immediate international action to halt the fighting. The pontiff made the remarks at the end of his weekly general audience on Wednesday, two days after cancelling meetings due to a mild flu.
While not explicitly naming Israel, the Pope expressed his sadness over reports of widespread destruction and casualties in Lebanon, emphasizing the unacceptability of the attacks. He urged the international community to work tirelessly to bring an end to the violence.
Despite his recent illness, the 87-year-old Pope appeared in good spirits during the audience, confirming his plans to proceed with his upcoming trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, which begins on Thursday. He requested prayers for the success of the tour, his 46th foreign visit as Pope.
The visit comes just two weeks after the Pope returned from a demanding 12-day trip through Southeast Asia and Oceania, where he engaged in over 40 events and travelled over 20,000 miles.
In his regular address to pilgrims, Pope Francis spoke about the dangers of temptation, including online pornography, which is prohibited by Catholic teachings. He emphasized the importance of resisting such temptations and seeking spiritual guidance.
The Pope’s remarks on the conflict in Lebanon highlight the ongoing tensions in the region and underscore his continued commitment to peace and reconciliation.
First Piper 