Pope Francis appeals for end to humanitarian crisis in Yemen

By Devin Watkins

Speaking at his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis called on the international community “to urgently promote compliance with the agreements reached, to ensure the distribution of food, and to work for the good of the population.”

The Pope said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen “with great concern.”

Yemen’s population, he said, is “exhausted by the lengthy conflict and a great many children are suffering from hunger, without being able to access food supplies.”

“The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God”, said Pope Francis.

Following his appeal, the Pope invited everyone to pray “for our brothers and sisters of Yemen.” And he led the crowd in the recitation of the Hail Mary.

UN-sponsored truce in Hodeidah

A truce between Yemen’s warring parties in the key port city of Hodeidah came into force a month ago.

The United Nation is urging both sides to respect the accord and to withdraw troops from the port quickly.

Humanitarian conditions in the country are deteriorating fast, according to international aid agencies.

Most of Yemen’s imports enter through the Hodeidah port, and fighting in the city has cut off humanitarian aid and left millions on the brink of starvation.