ISTANBUL

Pope Leo XIV has described US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza as a "realistic proposal," urging the Palestinian group Hamas to accept it within the set timeframe.

Speaking to journalists outside Villa Barberini before returning to the Vatican on Tuesday, the Pontiff said: “We hope they accept it; so far it seems a realistic proposal.”

He stressed the need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, adding: “There are very interesting elements.”

On the humanitarian flotilla approaching Gaza amid ongoing tensions, Pope Leo underlined the urgency of aid deliveries.

“There is a desire to respond to a real humanitarian emergency,” he said, expressing hope that “there is no violence and that people are respected.”

The Pope also voiced concern about recent US rhetoric on the possible use of nuclear weapons after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth convened military leaders under the newly renamed Department of War.

“This way of speaking is worrying,” he said, noting that it reflects growing tensions.

“We hope it is just rhetoric. We hope it works, but that there is no war; we must work for peace.”

Regarding the ongoing Vatican trial over the management of Holy See funds, the Pontiff said he would not interfere in the proceedings. “It must proceed,” he noted, leaving the matter to judges and lawyers.

On Monday, Trump unveiled a 20-point plan to end Israel's war on Gaza during a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The plan calls for the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners, the complete disarmament of Hamas, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the formation of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee to govern the enclave.

A pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood is outlined in the plan as a possibility -- but not a guarantee.

The Israeli army has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has rendered the enclave uninhabitable and led to starvation and the spread of disease.