Catholic leaders in the Holy Land expressed cautious optimism this week that pilgrims will be able to return to the region amid a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, which went into effect on Sunday.

On the occasion of Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, Pope Francis offers prayers for “wisdom, strength, and protection” in the exercise of his duties and invoking blessings upon the “beloved American people.”

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, believes the ceasefire agreement reached by Israel and Hamas was “absolutely necessary” and called for immediate attention to be given to food, health, and educational needs.

Pope Francis on Sunday thanked the mediators who brokered the latest cease-fire deal in Gaza which came into effect on Jan. 19.

Francis spent much of the past decade as pope in relatively good health but has dealt with several painful medical conditions over the last few years.