Pope Leo XIV Renews Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza in Wake of Strike on Catholic Church

Published: Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 12:15 pm

Pope Leo XIV Urges Ceasefire in Gaza Following Church Attack

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy – Pope Leo XIV has once again called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging the international community to uphold international law and protect civilians. The pontiff made the plea during his Sunday Angelus prayer from his summer retreat.

The Pope expressed profound sorrow over an Israeli attack on the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip on Thursday. The attack resulted in the deaths of three people and injured ten others, including the parish priest. The church compound, where hundreds of Palestinians had been sheltering from the ongoing conflict, was also damaged.

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for the international community to adhere to humanitarian law. He specifically highlighted the importance of protecting civilians, prohibiting collective punishment, and preventing the indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of populations.

Earlier in the day, the Pope presided over Mass at the nearby Cathedral of Albano. He stated the necessity of dialogue and abandoning the use of weapons. He also told reporters that the world can no longer tolerate war.

Israel has expressed regret over the church attack, describing it as an accident and stating that an investigation is underway.

BNN's Perspective:

Pope Leo XIV's renewed call for a ceasefire underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the circumstances surrounding the church attack remain under investigation, the Pope's emphasis on protecting civilians and upholding international law is a crucial reminder of the human cost of war. A balanced approach, acknowledging the complexities of the conflict while advocating for the safety and well-being of all individuals, is essential for achieving a lasting peace.

Keywords: Pope, Leo XIV, Gaza, ceasefire, church attack, Israel, civilians, humanitarian law, conflict, war, international community, peace, violence, Holy Family Catholic Church

Full Story