United States President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation with Pope Francis about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the White House announced on Sunday.
"The President condemned the barbarous attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians and affirmed the need to protect civilians in Gaza," the statement read. "They also discussed the need to prevent escalation in the region and to work toward a durable peace in the Middle East."
Earlier in the day, the pope tweeted he is "very grieved by what is happening in Israel and Palestine. I pray and I am close to all those who are suffering. I renew my appeal for spaces to be opened, for humanitarian aid to continue to arrive, and for the hostages to be freed."