Pope Francis Expresses Sadness Over Gaza in 2023 Statement

Pope Francis frequently urged for an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, even mentioning this during his Easter Sunday address just prior to his death. However, various social media postings that claim to display clips from his last speech are incorrect; the circulating video actually features different comments Pope Francis gave back in December 2023.

" "Pope Francis urged for a halt to the fighting in Gaza during his final public speech," it states. April 21, 2025 post from extreme right-wing U.S. influencer Jackson Hinkle who has previously shared disinformation about the Israel-Hamas war and other conflicts .

The footage depicts Pope Francis addressing people from St. Peter's Square regarding the passing of two Christian females in the Gaza Strip — a mother and her daughter who were The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated were killed by an Israeli soldier near the premises of the sole Catholic church in the Palestinian territories.

Similar posts spread across X , Instagram and Threads , af ter The Vatican declared on April 21, 2025, that the 88-year-old Argentinian reformer had died due to a stroke. The footage was likewise shared extensively. Spanish .

Pope Francis frequently condemned the conflict in Gaza that erupted afterwards. Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, a stance that strained relations alongside Israel but secured the pope's support tributes From Middle Eastern leaders and Arab movements after his passing. He also regularly phoned a small Christian congregation in the besieged territory.

On April 19, the day prior to his death, the Pope condemned a "rising sentiment of hostility toward Jews" while also restating his appeals for a truce.

"The ongoing conflict causes death and devastation for the people of Gaza, particularly affecting its Christian community, leading to a dire and lamentable humanitarian crisis," he stated. Easter address , which was recited by an assistant as the pope sat in his wheelchair on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica (archived here ).

I urge the conflicting sides: declare a truce, free the captives, and assist a hungry population striving for a future marked by tranquility!

The video that went viral online, nevertheless, does not feature Pope Francis's Easter message.

A reverse image search revealed that the footage -- where the pope is actually talking -- changed to December 17, 2023 , when it was posted on the official Vatican News YouTube channel. (archived) here ).

According to the Vatican's official English transcript In his comments, the Pope addressed at the conclusion of the Angelus prayer two women who perished in the Gaza Strip region. here ).

"We should remember our brothers and sisters enduring hardships due to conflicts in places like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and various other regions. With Christmas nearing, let's bolster our commitment to forging pathways toward peace," he started his speech.

“I keep getting deeply troubling reports from Gaza. Civilians without weapons are being targeted by bombings and gunfire. This includes areas inside the compound of the Holy Family Parish, which houses only families, kids, individuals who are ill, those with disabilities, and nuns. A mother and her daughter... lost their lives, while others were injured by snipers when heading to use the restroom. The residence of the Sisters of Mother Teresa suffered damage, including destruction to their generator.”

Pope Francis also press ed for a ceasefire.

AFP reported During his comments at the time, following a statement from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem claiming that an Israeli sniper was accountable for the fatalities, he addressed the situation. The Israeli Defense Forces informed AFP that they had received communication from church officials; however, they stated that “there were no reports of damage to the church or injuries and deaths among civilians.”

AFP has debunked other misinformation surrounding the pope's death here .