The leader of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem said he would be willing to offer himself in exchange for the safe return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, an Italian national who serves as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said he was willing to do "anything" to ensure "those children [come] back home." Hamas has been holding some 200 hostages since they launched terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7. More than 4,000 people have been killed since the attacks began and Israel responded with airstrikes in Gaza.

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"I am ready for an exchange, anything, if this can lead to freedom, to bring the children home. No problem. There is total willingness on my part," Pizzaballa told a group of journalists Monday.

Pizzaballa is the highest-ranking Catholic bishop in Israel and was recently elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis, granting him the power to vote in the next papal election.

The Catholic prelate told reporters that the Vatican has "offered our readiness at least to try to bring the hostages back" but so far has had no success.

"At this moment, it's not possible to talk to Hamas," he said.

Pizzaballa also expressed concern that the Israeli military operation launched in response to the attacks could result in a "much more severe humanitarian crisis" and that the conflict could expand to include more of the Arab world.

"It's very difficult to predict the developments, but the fear of regional expansion is real, and I'm not the only one saying it," the patriarch said.

The patriarch's comments come after Israeli leaders blasted Pope Francis for calling for "humanitarian law ... to be respected" in Gaza.

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"Brothers and sisters, many have already died," the pope said. "Please, let no more innocent blood be shed, neither in the Holy Land, nor in Ukraine, or anywhere else. Enough! Wars are always a defeat, always."

"It is inconceivable that an announcement essentially expressing concern for the residents of Gaza is issued at the same time Israel is burying 1,300 murdered citizens," Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen said of the pope's remarks.