FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis gestures as he leaves after the weekly general audience, in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File photo
Vatican City
Pope Francis to meet Israeli hostages' families amid Gaza crisis
Pope Francis will meet next week with relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza, a source said on Friday.
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis will meet next week with relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza, a source said on Friday.
The source spoke to Reuters as the Vatican's number two, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the Holy See believed their release and a ceasefire - which Israel has so far ruled out - were two "fundamental points" to resolve the crisis.
(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Hugh Lawson)