The internationally renowned American singer, Madonna Louise Ciccone, has made a heartfelt plea to Pope Leo, urging him to undertake a humanitarian visit to Gaza to aid the starving Palestinian children, emphasizing that “there is no more time.”
Madonna, who was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, called on the new pontiff in an Instagram post on Monday, imploring, “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. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry.”
Madonna explained that her appeal to Pope Leo is driven by the belief that “politics cannot affect change,” but “consciousness can.”
Her message was shared on the birthday of her son Rocco, with Madonna describing the best gift she could give him as “to ask everyone to do what they can to help save the innocent children caught in the crossfire in Gaza.”
Since assuming the papacy in May, Pope Leo has been outspoken in his condemnation of the Israeli conflict in Gaza, consistently expressing deep concern for Palestinian civilians enduring relentless bombardment.
“I am following with great concern the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger and remains exposed to violence and death,” the pope said in July, calling urgently for a ceasefire.
UNICEF reports that over 18,000 children have lost their lives in Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023, averaging 28 child deaths per day.
The Israeli blockade restricting aid to Gaza has led to what the World Health Organization has described as “man-made mass starvation.”
Madonna emphasized that she is “not pointing fingers, placing blame or taking sides.”
“Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. I pray that they are released as well,” she added.
WHO director-general, responded to Madonna’s post on Monday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressing gratitude for her “compassion, solidarity and commitment to care for everyone caught in the Gaza crisis, especially the children.”
“This is greatly needed. Humanity and peace must prevail,” he said.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 222 people, including 101 children, have died from malnutrition since the war began.
Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told the UN Security Council on Sunday, “This is no longer a looming hunger crisis – this is starvation, pure and simple.”
Israel maintains tight control over aid and personnel entering Gaza.
In a rare move in July, Israel permitted two church leaders to visit after its forces struck Gaza’s only Catholic church, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries.
This church had served as a refuge for Gaza’s small Christian community during nearly two years of conflict.
Since that time, the starvation crisis in Gaza has worsened, with distressing images of severely malnourished children sparking global outrage.
“We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children,” Madonna pleaded. “There is no more time. Please say you will go,” she wrote.
It remains uncertain whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration would grant Pope Leo permission to enter Gaza.
Nevertheless, Madonna’s appeal highlights the mounting global condemnation of the 22-month conflict, which has strained Israel’s relationships with its allies.
Countries including Australia, Canada, and France have announced intentions to recognize a Palestinian state, while the United Kingdom indicated last month that it will recognize Palestine in September if Israel fails to meet conditions, such as agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Madonna’s statements come amid a growing chorus of artists, including Massive Attack, Brian Eno, and most recently U2, raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a late 2023 performance, Madonna also condemned both the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7 and Israel’s military response, describing the war as “heartbreaking.”
