Pope Leo XIV has denounced the ongoing war in Gaza as an act of “barbarity,” calling for an immediate end to what he described as the indiscriminate use of force. His remarks, delivered during a public address in Vatican City on July 20, came three days after an Israeli airstrike struck the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza — the only Catholic church in the enclave — killing at least two civilians and injuring several others, including the parish priest.

“I follow with a heavy heart the dramatic news from Gaza,” the pontiff said, pausing to recall the victims by name. “It is urgent to put an end to the violence and to protect innocent civilians, especially in places that should provide refuge.” He underscored the humanitarian cost of the conflict, particularly its toll on the most vulnerable — children, the elderly and the sick.

The strike on the Holy Family compound took place on July 17 and drew immediate condemnation from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the ecclesiastical authority overseeing Catholics in the region. According to church officials, hundreds of Palestinians had taken shelter within the church’s walls when the munitions hit. Among those injured was Father Gabriel Romanelli, an Argentine priest known for his active presence in Gaza and close personal contact with Vatican leadership.

Israel acknowledged the incident, describing it as a tragic error caused by a misfired round. “A stray piece of ammunition mistakenly struck the outer wall of the Holy Family Church,” a spokesperson for the Israeli military said, adding that a formal investigation had been initiated. “We regret the loss of civilian life and are committed to ensuring the protection of religious sites.”

Speaking by phone with Pope Leo XIV on July 19, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sorrow over the strike and reiterated that targeting places of worship was not consistent with Israeli military policy. According to a Vatican summary of the call, the Pope urged “greater restraint” and asked for concrete steps to ensure the safety of civilians.

International reactions to the incident were swift. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the attack “intolerable,” with her office releasing a statement that “no military operation can justify the targeting of a house of worship, particularly when civilians are sheltering inside.” The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States also reiterated the Holy See’s position on the conflict, urging all parties to return to dialogue and work toward a durable peace.

The escalation around the church strike comes amid a broader conflict between Israel and Hamas, now in its twenty-first month. According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 58,000 Palestinians have died since the outbreak of hostilities in late 2023. The war began after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7 of that year, which left roughly 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli estimates.

The Pope’s latest comments reflect mounting international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly reports of civilian casualties in areas presumed to be safe. While Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to minimizing civilian harm, the Vatican and other religious bodies have called for independent assessments and greater accountability.

“I once again renew my call for a ceasefire and for the beginning of serious negotiations,” Pope Leo said. “Only dialogue, not arms, can open the path to justice and peace.”