Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the war in Gaza, describing it as ‘barbaric’ and warning against the indiscriminate use of force, days after an Israeli military strike hit a Catholic church sheltering civilians.
Speaking from Castel Gandolfo after the Angelus prayer, the pontiff called for an immediate ceasefire and expressed deep sorrow over the attack on the Holy Family Church, which was housing around 600 displaced people, including children and persons with special needs.
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The Vatican confirmed the pope spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the incident.
While Israel said it regretted the civilian casualties and is investigating, Pope Leo criticised what he described as ongoing assaults on civilians and places of worship.
He urged the international community to uphold humanitarian law, prohibit collective punishment, and protect displaced populations in the protracted, 22-month conflict.
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