Rome: Pope Francis was praised for his stance on the Gaza conflict by Giuseppe Conte, a two-time former premier and leader of the populist leftist 5-Star Movement (M5S). Conte spoke at a commemoration event for the late Argentine pontiff in the House, describing the Pope’s actions as brave amid widespread cowardice.
According to Ansa News Agency, Conte highlighted Pope Francis’s courageous words regarding the situation in Gaza and the plight of Palestinians. Speaking at a joint session of parliament at Montecitorio, Conte noted the Pope’s unexpected focus on the issue, emphasizing his continued communication with the parish priest of the sole church in the Gaza Strip. The Pope’s concern for Palestinian children, whom he remembered by name, was underscored in Conte’s remarks.
Conte further reflected on Pope Francis’s consistent opposition to war, criticizing the arms trade and advocating for victims of conflict. The former premier reiterated the Pope’s warnings about the futility of war, urging a rejection of weaponry and rearmament in favor of peace built through unity and compassion. Conte, who recently led a rally against European rearmament, echoed the Pope’s message that peace cannot be achieved through arms but through understanding and empathy.
