Pope Leo welcomed President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza Sept. 30, calling it a “realistic proposal” and urging Hamas to accept the deal. 

“We hope they accept it,” the Pope told reporters outside Villa Barberini Sept. 30, according to Vatican News. “So far, it seems a realistic proposal.” Pope Leo also reiterated his appeal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. “There are very interesting elements,” he said of the U.S.-backed deal. “We hope Hamas accepts within the established timeframe.”

Speaking to journalists tonight in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV praises President Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza, saying: “We hope they [Hamas] accept it; it seems to be a realistic proposal”, with the Pope reiterating the need for a ceasefire and a release of all the hostages,… pic.twitter.com/O3yx4b9HZw

— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) September 30, 2025

Trump announced the agreement Sept. 29 alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has already accepted it. The plan requires Hamas to free hostages within 72 hours in exchange for Israel’s promise of a permanent ceasefire and a phased withdrawal from Gaza City, CatholicVote reported. 

The proposal also establishes a “technocratic, apolitical, Palestinian committee” to govern Gaza City under a Trump-led “board of peace” and includes provisions for expanded humanitarian aid. Hamas has not yet formally accepted or rejected the plan.