Madonna Urges Pope Leo XIV to Visit Gaza, Says 'Everyone is Suffering' in Humanitarian Crisis

Madonna has publicly urged Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza, saying 'everyone is suffering' in the conflict-ravaged territory. The 66-year-old singer shared her plea on Instagram, writing that she was reaching out 'as a mother' to the pontiff, whom she described as 'the only one of us who cannot be denied entry'.

'Politics cannot affect change. Only consciousness can,' she said, adding that her message coincided with her son Rocco's birthday. 'The best gift I can give him is to ask everyone to help save the innocent children caught in the crossfire in Gaza.'

The Queen of Pop emphasised that she was not 'pointing fingers' or 'taking sides', instead acknowledging the pain of both Palestinian families and the mothers of hostages. She called on the Pope to 'bring your light' and open 'humanitarian gates' to prevent more children from dying of starvation. Her post drew support from WHO director general Tedros Adhanom, who thanked her for showing 'compassion, solidarity and commitment' to those affected by the Gaza crisis.

Pope Leo XIV, who has been vocal about the humanitarian emergency, has previously appealed for the protection of civilians and an end to the 'barbarity of war'. Madonna's intervention adds to growing calls for the pontiff to lead a humanitarian mission to Gaza, as the enclave faces severe shortages of food, medicine and safe shelter. According to UNICEF, every child in Gaza under five is now at risk of acute malnutrition a crisis the singer says must be addressed urgently.