Pope Leo XIV has sharply criticized the ongoing war in Gaza, condemning what he described as “barbarity” and the “indiscriminate use of force” following two deadly incidents that have drawn international concern. Addressing pilgrims during his Sunday Angelus at Castel Gandolfo on July 20, the Pope called for an immediate ceasefire, urging political leaders to seek peace with “courage and sincerity.”

Pope Leo XIV

Castel Gandolfo

His remarks came in response to two particularly deadly events. On July 17, an Israeli airstrike hit the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City – the territory’s only Catholic sanctuary – killing three sheltering civilians and injuring several others, including the parish priest. The strike struck part of the monastery compound where dozens of civilians had been seeking refuge. According to Vatican sources, the victims included Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, and Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, sustained injuries in the incident.

Holy Family Catholic Church

Parish priest

“This attack joins the ongoing military actions that continue to claim the lives of innocent people, demolish places of worship, and deepen an already intolerable humanitarian crisis,” the Pontiff said, visibly moved as he addressed the crowd. “My thoughts turn with sorrow to those killed, and I offer prayers for the wounded and their families.”

The second incident referenced in the Pope’s remarks concerned the killing of at least 85 Palestinians on July 20 near the Zikim crossing, where hundreds had gathered in hopes of receiving desperately needed food aid. Eyewitness reports and health ministry officials in Gaza claimed that Israeli military fire was responsible, though Israeli officials said they were still reviewing the circumstances and reiterated that they do not target humanitarian aid seekers.

In his address, Pope Leo issued three appeals to the international community: to immediately end hostilities, to respect humanitarian law by safeguarding civilians and religious sites, and to refrain from actions such as collective punishment, disproportionate force, and forced displacement. “We must not allow double standards when it comes to human suffering,” he said, adding that he had conveyed those concerns directly in recent communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Pope Leo

Humanitarian law

Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel’s military stated the attack on the church compound was unintended and is under internal investigation. “We regret any harm to civilians and strive to avoid it wherever possible,” a spokesperson noted, affirming that a review of operational decisions in Gaza is ongoing.

Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip continue to deteriorate. United Nations officials have warned of widespread malnutrition, particularly among children, and described the situation as unprecedented. According to UN estimates, over 875 Palestinians have died in recent months while attempting to collect food, as limited aid enters the besieged coastal enclave.

United Nations

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also weighed in on the church strike, calling it “intolerable” and asserting that “no military objective can justify an attack on a sacred space sheltering civilians.”

Giorgia Meloni

In conclusion, Pope Leo invited Catholics and all people of goodwill to participate in what he called a “Prayer Marathon for Leaders,” aimed at invoking wisdom and compassion among those with power to end the conflict. “We need peace built on justice and humanity, not silence built on fear,” he said.

Pope Leo