Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for an end to hostilities in Yemen and prayed for the victims of an attack on Orthodox Christians in Jordan, as the pontiff gradually resumes his public duties following lung cancer surgery.
“I am following with concern the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen, particularly in the city of Taiz, where the population is suffering from a lack of food, water and medical care,” the pope wrote in a post on X.
Leo issued a “heartfelt appeal” for a cessation of hostilities to allow civilians in Yemen and the wider region to live in peace. He also expressed solidarity with the victims of violence in Jordan, highlighting the country's tradition of peaceful coexistence among religious communities.
The remarks mark the latest public appearance for the 71-year-old pontiff, who is recovering from surgery performed less than two weeks ago to treat lung cancer. Doctors, who removed the lower lobe of his right lung, stated that no further treatment is planned after testing found that the cancer had not spread.
Last week, Leo told the public that he had “overcome this delicate phase” following the operation as he slowly returns to his schedule.
...
What Is Happening in Yemen
Leo singled out the situation in the Yemeni city of Taiz, saying residents were struggling with shortages of food, water and medical care.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen has deteriorated sharply amid renewed fighting, with the United Nations writing in a press release earlier this month that more than 200,000 people had been displaced across Yemen since the beginning of August, the highest level of new displacement since the 2022 truce.
Last week, the U.N. said the number displaced by the renewed fighting had surpassed 250,000, with about half of those uprooted taking shelter in Taiz and the surrounding governorate.
The agency said the Houthis had closed the only supply route linking Taiz to Aden, leaving humanitarian access “essentially blocked.”
The U.N. Human Rights Office said in a press release on October 20 that the closure was blocking humanitarian aid and essential supplies and had caused commodity prices to multiply, leaving many residents without food and other basic necessities. It also reported restrictions on access to water and essential goods through the Al-Dhabab route.
Conditions have placed growing strain on healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement Thursday that 42 health facilities in Taiz were reporting acute shortages of fuel, oxygen, medicines and medical supplies, threatening services including emergency surgery, intensive care, dialysis and maternal and neonatal care.
Reuters reported Wednesday that families were rationing drinking water as fuel shortages disrupted pumping and sanitation systems, while garbage was accumulating along roads and raising fears of disease outbreaks. Fighting between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthis had cut key supply routes, worsening shortages of water, food and fuel, the outlet reported.
Leo also offered prayers for those killed and wounded in a Friday attack on Orthodox worshippers in Hamoud, Jordan.
"My prayers go out to all those who were injured or lost their lives last Friday in the terrorist attack on worshippers at the Orthodox Church of Saint George in Hamoud, Jordan," the pope wrote. "I express my closeness to the community and the entire country, which is known for its peaceful coexistence and respect between different religions."
Nine people were killed and around 40 wounded when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at the church in Jordan’s Karak governorate.
Jordanian authorities described the shooting as a terrorist attack carried out by extremists, while Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh said it was too early to determine whether the attackers had links to any known group inside or outside Jordan, Reuters reported.
The outlet also reported that surveillance footage aired by Jordan’s state-owned Al-Mamlaka television showed three people firing toward the church before running toward its entrance. Reuters independently verified the location shown in the footage.
King Abdullah II vowed a forceful response, writing on social media that authorities would “strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation.”
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan attributed the attack to “terrorist ideology and blind extremism,” during a Friday security meeting, while authorities continued searching for the assailants.
Leo addressed the attack following his Sunday Angelus, offering prayers for those killed and injured and expressing solidarity with the affected community and Jordan.
“I am close to that community and to the entire country, which stands out for its peaceful coexistence and respect among different religions,” he said.
Newsweek reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Anthony Murray and Steve Mollman.