Pope Francis Says His Argentinian Friends May Be Among Hamas Attack Victims

In his conversation, Cymerman said that many Argentinians were among the dead and wounded, and some were taken hostage by Hamas.

Pope Francis prays at the opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 4, 2023.
Pope Francis prays at the opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 4, 2023. (photo: Vatican Media)

Pope Francis has said that he fears some of his Argentinian friends were among the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel.

Israeli journalist Henrique Cymerman posted on his social networks a video of the telephone conversation he had with the Pope on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Cymerman is a friend of Francis. In his conversation, he said that many Argentinians were among the dead and wounded, and some were taken hostage by Hamas. The Pope replied: “I know, I know. I think some of my friends are probably among them.”

The journalist proposed to the Pope that he meet with the families of the Israeli and Argentinian hostages, as this would show “great consolation at this time of mourning.”

Francis told Cymerman that he was willing to meet with them.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa tours the war-torn area surrounding Holy Family Church with the parish’s pastor in Gaza, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

The Prospects of Peace in Gaza

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza was briefly broken this week as Israel’s said it carried out heavy airstrikes against Hamas for what the IDF said was a violation of the truce. This week on Register Radio, we talk with Sami El-Yousef, CEO of the LPJ. And then, we have an update on the Louvre heist from Solène Tadié who also tells us about the theological controversy over Wandering Souls.