Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate and permanent
ceasefire in Gaza, condemning “collective punishment” and forced displacement
of Palestinians. He also urged the release of hostages held by Hamas and called
for full respect of humanitarian law amid an escalating Israeli military
offensive.
Pope's Strong Appeal for Peace
As reported by Nicole Winfield of Yahoo News, Pope Leo XIV
delivered a powerful message during his weekly general audience at the Vatican
on August 27, 2025, urging Israel to halt “collective punishment” and the
forced removal of Palestinians in Gaza. The pope, who was met with applause
twice during his address, called for a “permanent ceasefire” and the safe
passage of humanitarian aid, emphasising the importance of adherence to
humanitarian law.
The pope, the first American to hold the papacy,
specifically cited international law requiring the protection of civilians and
forbidding collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and forced
displacement of populations. He highlighted the grave humanitarian situation in
Gaza, particularly in Gaza City, which has been declared famine-stricken.
Call to Release Hostages and End War
As noted by the Associated Press in multiple reports
including WFTV and Arab News, Pope Leo also called for the release of the
approximately 50 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, many of whom were captured
during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel that ignited the
conflict. The pope urged both Israel and Hamas to end the nearly two-year-long
war, lamenting the “terror, destruction and death” it has caused on all sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced
plans for a major offensive in Gaza City, arguing it is necessary to weaken
Hamas and secure the hostages’ release. However, the pope’s plea for a
ceasefire comes amid deep concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians
in Gaza, as families and humanitarian groups warn that continued military
operations could further endanger hostages and innocent residents alike.
Religious Leaders Support and Shelter Civilians
According to WFTV and the USCCB, Catholic Cardinal
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox
Patriarch Theophilos III issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for
Palestinians sheltered in Gaza’s Christian churches. These religious leaders
described how priests and nuns have committed to remain with vulnerable
Palestinians despite Israeli evacuation orders ahead of the offensive, citing
fears that forced displacement would be akin to a “death sentence” for many already
weakened by malnutrition and hardship.
As Pope Leo XIV spoke, he referenced their appeal to end the
violence and prioritise the common good. He also called on all sides and the
international community to respect the rights of all peoples to live in their
homelands without forced exile, reflecting a broader concern about the fate of
Gaza’s civilian population.
Humanitarian Crisis and Calls for Aid
Caritas Internationalis, the world’s largest Catholic aid
organisation, issued a statement condemning what it described as a “man-made
famine” in Gaza caused by Israel’s siege. The group called for an immediate
ceasefire and an end to actions that block aid, destroy infrastructure, and
starve civilians, which it termed a “machinery of annihilation.” Recent reports
confirm thousands of Gazans, including many children, have died of starvation
amid the blockade and ongoing conflict.
Pope Leo’s remarks align with these humanitarian concerns.
His repeated calls for the safe entry of aid and respect for international
humanitarian law underscore the urgent need to address the escalating civilian
suffering caused by the conflict.
Pope's Historical Context and Recent Statements
Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis in May 2025, has
taken a measured yet firm approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict compared to his
predecessor. While Pope Francis had controversially raised the question of
potential genocide in Gaza early in the conflict, Leo opts for careful,
prepared statements emphasising legal obligations and humanitarian needs
without naming specific parties. His weekly general audience speech continues
this tone of urgency for peace and humanitarian relief.
In one of his earlier 2025 statements, Pope Leo expressed
solidarity with both Israeli and Palestinian peoples, urging all factions to
release hostages and cease hostilities, while condemning rising global
anti-Semitism. This balanced appeal seeks to encourage reconciliation and pave
the way for a peaceful future for the region.
Pope Leo XIV’s 27 August 2025 address represents a significant papal call to end the ongoing hostilities in Gaza. His plea to halt “collective punishment” and forced displacement reiterates the need to protect civilians and uphold international law. The pope's urging for the release of hostages, coupled with backing from prominent religious leaders sheltering Gaza’s displaced, highlights the complex humanitarian and ethical dimensions of the conflict. Amid widening famine and suffering, the global Catholic Church and aid organisations call for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief, seeking to alleviate Gaza’s ongoing crisis.