WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS SEEKS POPE’S HELP IN SECURING HOSTAGES’ RELEASE

Thu 19 October 2023:

The head of the World Jewish Congress met Pope Francis on Thursday, asking the leader of the Roman Catholic church to help secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

The audience between the WJC president, Ronald Lauder, and Francis, 86, came as Israel revised up to 203 the number of Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas, amid the escalating war in Gaza.

“We ask Your Holiness to use your power, to use your strength, to get these hostages released,” the WJC quoted Lauder as telling the 86-year-old pontiff, in a statement.

“You may be the only person who has the moral authority to do this.”

The pope has called for the release of the hostages, while also expressing concern for the civilians of Gaza.

The WJC, which dates from 1936, represents Jewish communities in more than 100 countries, to governments and international organisations.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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