Pop icon Madonna has issued an emotional appeal to Pope Leo, urging the pontiff to personally travel to Gaza and call for protection of children caught in the ongoing war.
In a statement posted to her social media early Tuesday, the 66-year-old singer said the violence had reached “a level no one should ignore” and implored the Vatican to take a more direct role in humanitarian intervention.
“Holy Father, the children of Gaza are crying out,” Madonna wrote. “You have the power to shine the world’s attention on their suffering. Go to them, stand with them, and help stop the killing.”
The plea comes amid renewed international concern over the toll the conflict is taking on civilians. Aid groups say thousands of children have been killed or injured since the fighting erupted, with food, water, and medical supplies growing increasingly scarce.
Madonna, long known for mixing her artistry with political and humanitarian causes, called the situation “a stain on humanity” and said the presence of the pope in Gaza could be “a turning point” in rallying global will to secure a ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors.
The Vatican has not yet responded to the appeal. Pope Francis has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and for both sides to protect civilians, but has so far stopped short of announcing any plans to visit the war zone.
Madonna concluded her message with a stark reminder: “Faith without action is empty. The children cannot wait.”