Pope Sparks Controversy with Meetings with Israeli Hostages and Palestinians in Gaza

Pope Francis met separately with relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinians affected by the war, using the words "terrorism" and "genocide" to describe the situation. The meetings took place before the Israeli-Hamas hostage deal and temporary halt in fighting. The Pope called for peace and prayed for both Israeli and Palestinian people to resolve their problems. The Vatican is particularly concerned about the plight of Christians in Gaza. While the Vatican spokesman denied that the Pope used the term "genocide," members of the Palestinian delegation insisted that he did. The Israeli relatives expressed gratitude for the meeting but hoped for more time and questioned the Pope's use of the term "terrorism."