Pope Francis urges believers to take the side of 'peace' in the Israel-Hamas war

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - OCTOBER 18: Pope Francis speaks during his weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Vatican on October 18, 2023. (Photo by Pablo Esparza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Pope Francis on Wednesday is urging the world to take "only one side" in the Israel-Hamas war – the one "of peace" – as he called for a special day of prayer at the Vatican next week. 

Francis, speaking to his weekly audience, said, "War does not solve any problem, it only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future," according to Reuters. 

"I urge believers to take only one side in this conflict, that of peace, but not with words but with prayer and total dedication," he reportedly added. 

Francis also said next Friday, Oct. 27, will be "a day of fasting, prayers, penance" at St. Peter's Basilica and pleaded for all possible efforts "to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe," Reuters reports. 

Last week, Francis affirmed to his audience that Israel has a right to defend itself, but questioned if violence would solve the conflict. 

"It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves," the pope said, "but I am very concerned about the total siege under which the Palestinians are living in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims."