Madonna has urged Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza before “it is too late” in a bid to bring hope to children enduring immense suffering in the war-torn territory.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza, which began in October 2023, has caused staggering loss of life and injuries. As of July 29, the Hamas-run health ministry reported 60,034 deaths in Gaza, with 145,870 people injured.
In a recent Instagram post, the 66-year-old American music icon stressed the urgent need for the Pope’s involvement. She described Gaza’s children as belonging not only to Palestine but to the entire world, and noted that the Pope, as a highly respected global spiritual leader, has the rare privilege of entering regions closed off to others.
Madonna called for the immediate opening of “humanitarian gates” to ensure aid reaches innocent civilians, especially children. “Most Holy Father, please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it’s too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. The children of the world belong to everyone,” she wrote. “You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry. We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go.”
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have repeatedly broken down over opposing conditions.
Hamas has maintained it will release all hostages only if Israel completely withdraws and permanently ends the war, while Israel insists it will not agree to a ceasefire unless Hamas gives up power and disarms — a demand the militant group has rejected.