Pope Francis Warns of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

Pope Francis warned of a looming "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza, as Israel prepares to invade the enclave. "The victims are increasing and the situation in Gaza is desperate," the pope said during his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. "War does not solve any problem," he said, adding that religious believers can "take only one side in this conflict, that of peace, but not in words, but with prayer, with total dedication." The pope said that he had dedicated Oct. 27 a day of "fasting and prayer of penance" for peace.