Pope Leo calls for end to 'barbarity of war' after strike on Gaza church
Pope Leo XIV slammed the "barbarity" of the war in Gaza on Sunday and urged against the "indiscriminate use of force", just days after a deadly strike by Israel's military on a Catholic church. "I once again ask for an immediate end to the barbarity of the war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," Leo said at the end of the Angelus prayer.
- World
- Reuters
- Published Date: 02:04 | 20 July 2025
Pope Leo called for an end to the 'barbarity of war' on Sunday as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza.
Three people died and several were injured, including the parish priest, in the strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City on Thursday. Photos show its roof has been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and shattering windows.
Speaking after his Angelus prayer, Leo read out the names of those killed in the incident.
"I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, of indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of the population," he said.
- German government criticizes aid distribution in Gaza
- Israeli army chief Zamir sees 'potential' for a hostage deal
- Starvation kills 86 Gazans, including 76 children, since October 2023: Health Ministry
- Erdoğan calls on global community to establish ties with TRNC, saying: Turkish Cypriots can't afford to lose another 60 years
- Israel refuses to renew visa of UN official over criticism of Gaza starvation policy