Pope Appeals for Immediate End to Gaza ‘Barbarity’

Castel Gandolfo, July 20, 2025 : Pope Leo has issued a heartfelt plea for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza, denouncing a recent attack on the Holy Family Catholic parish in Gaza City as part of a series of “continuous” assaults on civilians and places of worship.

Speaking after the Sunday Angelus at his summer residence, the Pope mourned the loss of three Gazans killed in Thursday’s strike on the parish, where around 600 people had taken refuge. The victims – Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, and Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud – were named by the Pope, who expressed his closeness to their families. Several others, including the parish priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, were injured in the attack.

Pope Leo condemned the assault, stating it was “just one” of the many military attacks on Gaza’s civilian population and religious sites. He urged for an “immediate halt to the barbarity of the war” and called on all sides to seek a peaceful resolution.

Appealing to the international community, the Pope called for adherence to humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and places of worship, and a ban on collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and forced displacement.

Addressing Christian communities in the region, Pope Leo acknowledged the profound sense of helplessness many may feel. “You are in the heart of the Pope and of the whole Church,” he said, thanking them for their unwavering witness of faith in the face of immense suffering.

Earlier in the day, Pope Leo reiterated his call for peace while speaking to reporters after celebrating Mass in the town of Albano. He stressed the urgency of prayer and dialogue, encouraging all parties involved to lay down their weapons. “The world can’t take it any more,” he said. “There is so much conflict, so many wars.”

The Pope also confirmed his phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, during which he pushed for renewed efforts to end the violence. He lamented the “agonising price” being paid by Gaza’s civilians and emphasised the importance of protecting sacred sites of all faiths.

“We insisted on the need to protect the sacred places of all religions,” Pope Leo said. “And to respect people and sacred places, and try to leave behind all the violence and the hatred.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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