On the evening of September 16, Pope Leo XIV left Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, where he had spent the day, and answered questions from journalists waiting for him at the gates of the residence.
This was reported by Vatican News.
During a recent press conference, a journalist asked about the situation of people fleeing Gaza, questioning, “Have you seen how many people are fleeing?”
In response, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged, “Many have nowhere to go, and so it is a concern. I have also spoken with our people there, with the parish priest. For now, they want to stay; they are still holding on, but we really need to look for another solution.”
When questioned about the Kremlin's statements regarding NATO’s involvement in the war with Russia, the pontiff clarified that “NATO has not started any war.” He added, “The Poles are worried because they feel their airspace has been violated; it is a very tense situation.”
As the Pope was leaving in his car, the faithful sang “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Name Day” to him, as his name day falls on September 17, the feast day of St. Robert Bellarmine. A group of Polish faithful presented the Pope with a bouquet of flowers and a card.