ROME, July 20, 2025 (WAFA) – Pope Leon XIV on Sunday called for an immediate halt to the "barbarity” of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, condemning the indiscriminate military attacks targeting civilians and places of worship, demanding that the international community bear its responsibilities in stopping the ongoing violations.

At the conclusion of the Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed his “deep sorrow” regarding the Israeli shelling of the sole Catholic church in Gaza on Thursday, which killed three civilians at a time when the church was sheltering approximately 600 displaced people, the majority of whom were children and individuals with special needs.

“I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” he said, stressing that what happened at the church unfortunately adds to a series of repeated attacks against civilians and places of worship in Gaza.

“I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations,” the pope affirmed.

The Pope also directed a special message to Christians in the Middle East, stating that he feels great helplessness in the face of this tragic situation, adding that he is always with them in his heart and prayers and that they are not alone.

The Pope's statements come as the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip continues, amidst an unprecedented humanitarian deterioration, a rising number of victims, and repeated targeting of civilian and religious facilities, as well as shelters for the displaced.

A.D./T.R.