Pope Francis on Monday begged for an end to Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians” as he called for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. 

Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel on October 7 and blasted the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” that fuel wars as he made a Christmas Day appeal for peace in the world and in particular between Israel and the Palestinians.