Madonna appeals to Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza Strip

Pop star Madonna has called on Pope Leo XIV to visit the Gaza Strip and "bring light" to Palestinian children "before it is too late."

In a message posted on Instagram, the singer said she decided to approach a "man of God" to ensure that "innocent children" are no longer caught in the "crossfire" in the enclave, the scene of a war that has lasted almost two years and has put the entire local population under threat of famine.

"Most Holy Father, please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it's too late. I can't stand to see them suffering. The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry," Madonna wrote in the post.

"We need the humanitarian gates to be opened wide to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will. Love, Madonna," added the pop diva, who also tagged Leo XIV's Instagram profile.

The singer has always had a tense relationship with the Catholic Church and was even excommunicated on three occasions for her performances of songs such as "Like a Prayer", "Like a Virgin" and "Live to Tell".