Pope Reports ‘Good Will’ from UAE Leaders in Pursuit of Peace in Yemen, According to Reuters

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE – Pope Francis announced on Tuesday that he has observed "good will" to initiate peace processes aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Yemen. This statement came during private discussions with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, a key player in the Saudi-led coalition opposing the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Responding to a query while on the flight back from Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, Francis, who has previously condemned the war, noted, "I spoke about it, but just with a few people." He indicated that during his meeting with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and other officials, he sensed a positive inclination towards commencing peace efforts, although he did not provide further details.

The war in Yemen, now nearly four years old, has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and left almost 16 million people at risk of severe hunger. The conflict involves a Saudi-led coalition that supports the ousted President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the Iran-aligned Houthi group.

The United Nations is currently working to enforce a delicate ceasefire in Hodeidah, Yemen’s primary port, which serves as a crucial supply line for millions and has witnessed some of the conflict’s most intense fighting. The hope is that this ceasefire could create a foundation for negotiations to ultimately end the war.