Pope Francis has once again issued an urgent appeal for peace in the Holy Land. During a ceremony in the Vatican Gardens, the Holy Father watered an olive tree, symbolizing the Holy See's decades-long commitment to peace efforts. The event was attended by numerous cardinals, as well as the Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See, Raphael Schutz, and the Palestinian Ambassador to the Holy See, Issa Kassissieh.  

"How much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain. Now, Lord, come to our aid!" Pope Francis prayed.  

Continuously calling for peace and an end to war, the Pope insisted again, "I think of how urgent it is that from the rubble of Gaza, a decision to stop the weapons will finally arise, and therefore I ask that there be a ceasefire. I think of the families and of the Israeli hostages and ask that they be released as soon as possible. I think of the Palestinian population and ask that they be protected and receive all necessary humanitarian aid."  

The Pope also reiterated his call for a ceasefire and urged the terrorists to release the remaining hostages. The olive tree in the Vatican Gardens holds special significance. It was planted ten years ago, on June 8, 2014, by Pope Francis alongside the then-President of Israel, Shimon Peres, and the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, in the Vatican Gardens.  

Pope Francis continued his prayerful invocation, saying, "Let us ask the Lord that the leaders of nations and the parties in conflict may find the way to peace and unity. May we all recognize each other as brothers and sisters."  

Although peace in the Holy Land seems distant, Pope Francis remains hopeful. The olive tree serves as a fitting symbol for his peace efforts, as these trees often take more than ten years to bear fruit.  

Adapted by Jacob Stein