Pope

Friday's document mentioned, as an example of past confusion, alleged supernatural appearances by the Virgin Mary in Amsterdam in the 1940s and 1950s which were eventually ruled invalid in 2020.

Churches abide by different calendars, hence the holidays fall on different days most years.

Francis has repeatedly deplored the death and destruction in the Gaza war.

"We should never forget that war is always a defeat," Pope Francis said.

The pope is not alone in confusing white flags with white smoke while the world burns.

He also stressed that such blessings do not amount to formal Church approval for same-sex unions.

Blessings were allowed last month in a document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which has caused widespread debate in the Catholic Church.

Defending Israel's right to self-defense, Chief Rabbi of South Africa Dr. Warren Goldstein accused the Pope of "primitive pacifism."

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the incident was still under review and had no immediate comment on the pope's words.

"Many hostages have been freed but many are still in Gaza. We think of them, of their families, who had seen a light, a hope of embracing their loved ones again."