
An american Superstar, raised roman Catholic, Madonna has made a direct appeal to Pope Leo XIV, urging the pontiff to personally visit Gaza as part of a humanitarian mission aimed at easing the suffering of children caught in the ongoing conflict.
In a message shared on Instagram post, and her official social media accounts, Madonna wrote: “Most Holy Father, please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it’s too late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry.”
The singer’s plea comes as Gaza endures its 22nd month of war. International agencies report a catastrophic humanitarian situation. UNICEF estimates that more than 18,000 children have died since fighting erupted in October 2023—an average of 28 child deaths per day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described conditions in the territory as “man-made mass starvation.”
Madonna stressed that her message was not about assigning blame. “I am not pointing fingers, placing blame or taking sides. Everyone is suffering, including the mothers of the hostages. I pray that they are released as well,” she said. When posting on her son Rocco’s birthday, she called her appeal the best gift she could offer him—standing up for the lives of innocent children.
The call quickly drew attention from global figures. WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised her compassion, solidarity and commitment to care for everyone caught in the Gaza crisis, especially the children,” adding that “humanity and peace must prevail.”
However, significant obstacles stand in the way of such a visit. Entry into Gaza remains tightly restricted by Israel. While rare exceptions have been made for religious leaders—such as the visit of two church officials following the shelling of Gaza’s only Catholic church—access is far from guaranteed.
Pope Leo XIV, who assumed the papacy in May 2025, has repeatedly voiced concern for Gaza’s civilians. In his first General Audience on May 21, he called for “dignified humanitarian aid” to be allowed into the enclave and urged all sides to end hostilities.
Madonna’s public appeal now adds a powerful celebrity voice to mounting international pressure for action. Whether it will persuade the Pope to undertake such a rare and politically sensitive mission remains to be seen, but her closing words were clear: “There is no more time. Please say you will go.”
