Pope Leo XIV has called on Israel to halt what he described as “terror, destruction and death” in Gaza, urging a renewed commitment to peace and the protection of civilians.
Speaking during his weekly address at the Vatican, the Pope expressed deep concern over Israel’s order for residents to evacuate Gaza City, warning that such directives would only worsen the humanitarian crisis.
“I stand with church leaders in Jerusalem who have raised alarm about this order. Forcing families, including the elderly, the sick, and children, to leave their homes will expose them to greater danger,” the Pope said.
The pontiff stressed that the escalating violence was taking an unbearable toll on innocent lives and called on both parties to pursue dialogue instead of destruction. “What we need is not more bloodshed, but compassion, justice, and a path to reconciliation,” he added.
Church leaders in Jerusalem earlier condemned the evacuation directive, saying it would lead to “a humanitarian catastrophe.” They noted that hospitals, schools, and places of refuge could not withstand the strain of mass displacement.
Pope Leo’s remarks add to the growing international calls for restraint and a ceasefire as Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that the territory is on the brink of collapse, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies worsening daily.
The Pope reiterated the Vatican’s readiness to support peace efforts in the region and urged the global community not to remain silent in the face of what he called “a spiral of needless suffering.”
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