Pope Leo Urges Ceasefire in Gaza During Phone Call With Israeli PM

Castel Gandolfo, July 18, 2025— Pope Leo called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday. The pope made this appeal following an Israeli military strike on Thursday that hit the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, killing three people and injuring at least ten others.

A statement issued by the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Holy Father, speaking from his residence at Castel Gandolfo, expressed deep concern over the attack during the phone call. The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, was reportedly struck during the attack, causing multiple casualties, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

During the call, Pope Leo reiterated his longstanding appeal for peace negotiations and a cessation of hostilities in the region. "The Holy Father repeated his appeal for a renewed push for negotiations, a ceasefire, and an end to the war," the press office statement read.

The statement added that the Holy Father had also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the call, highlighting the suffering of civilians, particularly children, the elderly, and the sick. He also emphasised the urgent need to protect places of worship and, especially, the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel.

The phone conversation marks a rare direct intervention by the Pontiff amid escalating violence in the region, underscoring the Vatican’s deepening concern over the conflict’s impact on civilians and religious institutions.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Courtesy: Vatican News