Nearly 100 New Mexicans gathered outside Albuquerque's federal courthouse Thursday afternoon, calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.

Pope Leo XIV and the Rev. John Wester, archbishop of Santa Fe, expressed the Catholic Church's stance, urging leaders to find a diplomatic solution.

"There's no doubt about it, what happened in October in 2023 was horrendous," Wester told KOAT at the news conference. "I realize it's a complicated issue. There are many factors in this issue. But the most pressing factor is that human lives are being taken."

Wester said on Wednesday, Pope Leo renewed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, as well as respect for international law.

"Whethe

See Full Page