Madonna has called on Pope Leo to visit Gaza in a humanitarian mission to help the Palestinian children.
The pop icon, who was raised Roman Catholic, made her plea in an Instagram post Monday, saying, "There is no more time."
"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," she wrote.
Madonna noted that politics "cannot affect change, only consciousness can," which is why she was reaching out to "a Man of God."
She said she made the post Monday, her son Rocco Ritchie's 25 birthday, as the best gift she could give as a mother: "to ask everyone to do what they can to help save the innocent children caught in the crossfire in Gaza."
"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 continued.
"I am merely trying to do what I can to keep these children from dying of starvation."
Madonna, whose name reflects her background, was raised in a devout Catholic family in Michigan and attended Catholic schools. Her career has been strongly influenced by that religious upbringing, but she is not known to be a practicing Catholic today.
The Pope, who assumed his role in May, has repeatedly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, voicing strong concern for the safety of Palestinian civilians affected by the bombardment.
"I am following with great concern the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger and remains exposed to violence and death," he said in July, calling for a ceasefire.
Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, there has been much dispute over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
International agencies and some governments have warned of severe hunger and shortages in Gaza, while Israeli officials deny that the territory is experiencing mass starvation, arguing that aid continues to enter, albeit in limited quantities.
Israel acknowledges imposing strict controls on goods entering Gaza, saying these measures are intended to prevent aid from being diverted to Hamas or other militant groups. The country fully blocked supplies in March, then eased the restrictions in May, allowing aid to enter under certain conditions.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.