Madonna has called on Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid amid the ongoing crisis. In an Instagram post on Monday, she urged the pope to "bring your light to the children before it's too late."

As a mother, Madonna expressed her deep concern for the suffering of children in the region. "The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," she wrote.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels, with reports indicating that famine is imminent in parts of the territory. A late July report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned that "the worst-case scenario of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip," highlighting a severe decline in access to food and essential services.

The Vatican has not yet responded to Madonna's appeal. Pope Leo XIV, who became the first American-born pope in May, has previously spoken out about the hunger crisis in Gaza. During a Mass for the Jubilee of Young People in Rome last week, he expressed solidarity with the suffering children, stating, "We are closer than ever to young people who suffer the most serious evils which are caused by other human beings. We are with the young people of Gaza."

Madonna's post coincided with her son Rocco's birthday, which she noted as a reason for her appeal. She described her request as the "best gift" she could give him, urging her followers to help save innocent children caught in the conflict.

In her message, she emphasized that she is not assigning blame or taking sides, stating, "Everyone is suffering. Including the mothers of the hostages. I pray that they are released as well." She also called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.

Madonna's post included tags for several organizations that provide support to families in Gaza, reflecting her commitment to raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis. Earlier this year, Pope Leo had called for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, describing the conditions there as "increasingly worrying and painful." His predecessor, Pope Francis, was also vocal in his support for the Palestinian people and advocated for a cease-fire until his death in April.