Madonna urges Pope to visit Gaza 'before it's too late'

Madonna during the Met Gala, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 5, 2025.
Reuters

International pop singer Madonna appealed on Instagram for Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza and “bring light to the children before it’s too late,” calling him “the only one of us who cannot be denied entry” and urged action to prevent child starvation.

Posting on social media for her son Rocco’s 25th birthday, Madonna said she wasn't assigning blame or taking sides, but felt compelled “as a mother” to act to protect innocent children and those suffering, including mothers of hostages.

Instagram

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, (UNICEF) estimates that more than 18,000 children have been killed in Gaza in the past 22 months, and about 28 children are dying per day, roughly the size of a full classroom.

However, Israel rejects claims of a famine, saying it has distributed sufficient aid, accusing Hamas of misusing it.

Madonna is the latest high-profile figure to speak out on the war in Gaza and humanitarian crisis. Earlier, members of U2, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., released statements condemning both Hamas’s 7 October attack and the Israeli government's response. Bono specifically called out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions as “immoral.” The Edge warned of potential ethnic cleansing, and the band pledged a donation to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

In recent weeks, the Pope renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip and urged the international community to respect humanitarian laws and protect civilians.

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