Madonna has spoken out about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, urging Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza before it is “too late.”
The ‘Like a Prayer’ singer took to her social media to share a plea to the Catholic Pope saying he is "the only one of us who cannot be denied entry."
The news comes as aid trucks have been denied entry into Gaza amid a growing famine.
"Most Holy Father, please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late," Madonna said in her Instagram post. "As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering.
According to UN and Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) data, Palestine is currently entering a catastrophe level famine. Just last month there were 63 malnutrition related deaths, 24 of which were children. Recent Nutrition Cluster screening data shows that over 40% of Palestinians are severely malnourished.
“We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children” Madonna said.
The UN has blamed the growing food insecurity on Israel blocking aid trucks from entering the area and targeting and killing civilians at aid points. Israel has repeatedly denied there is a famine in Palestine and maintains that they have never targeted innocent civilians.
“Today is my Son Rocco’s birthday,” the US -born singer wrote. “I feel the best gift I can give to him as a Mother - is to ask everyone to do what they can to help save the innocent children caught in the crossfire in Gaza.”
She signed off by saying: "There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna."
The American Pope recently called again for a ceasefire in Gaza after three people sheltering in a Catholic Church in Gaza City were killed in an Israeli strike
According to PA News, he said: "I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations."
This is not the first time Madonna has spoken out about the genocide in Palestine. At her London gig in the O2 Arena in 2023, the ‘Material Girl’ singer urged her fans to bring "light and love" into the world via words and actions in order to "bring peace to the Middle East."
"It breaks my heart to see children suffering, teenagers suffering, elderly people suffering - all of it is heart-breaking, I'm sure you agree.”
"But even though our hearts are broken our spirits cannot be broken."
Meanwhile the UK, EU, Australia, Canada and Japan issued a statement saying "famine is unfolding in front of our eyes" and urged action to "reverse starvation" in Gaza.
Many countries have also announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state, under a number of conditions including that Hamas will not be involved in any future Governance.
The UK have said that they will recognise Palestine's statehood if Israel does not abide by a ceasefire and complies with a two-state solution.
