Pope Leo XIV has shared his deep worries about the ongoing war in Gaza, but he didn’t go as far as calling Israel’s actions against Palestinians a genocide. In a new interview, the Pope talked about the tough situation in the Middle East and urged world leaders to step up.
Speaking to US journalist Elise Ann Allen for her book Pope Leo XIV: Global Citizen, Missionary of the 21st Century, the Pope noted how the term “genocide” is popping up more in discussions about the Israel-Hamas conflict. The chat happened back in July, but it came out this Thursday.
“While people are raising this issue more and more, the Holy See can’t make an official statement right now,” he said. He explained that genocide has a strict legal meaning, and it’s not something the Vatican is ready to label at this point.
The Pope showed strong support for Gaza’s civilians, who have been driven from their homes once again. He called their living conditions “unacceptable” after Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, 2023, sparked the latest fighting. “We can’t just look away,” he added. “We have to keep pushing for real change to help those suffering.”
He pointed out that even with strong words from US President Donald Trump, there’s still no solid plan to ease the pain in Gaza. “That’s a huge concern,” the Pope stressed, calling for better ways to protect innocent people.
Last month, Pope Leo XIV made a fresh plea for peace in the Holy Land. He asked everyone involved in the Israel-Hamas war to agree on an end to the violence, including freeing all hostages. “I strongly appeal for an end to this conflict that’s brought so much terror, destruction, and death,” he said.
His message included demands for a lasting ceasefire, safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and full respect for international humanitarian law. That law, he reminded, bans collective punishment, random attacks, and forcing people from their homes—it puts a clear duty on everyone to shield civilians.
Back in July, the Pope called for an immediate ceasefire after an Israeli strike on Hamas targets accidentally damaged Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church. He has consistently voiced concerns over the war’s toll on civilians.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who joined Pope Leo’s inauguration at the Vatican in May, praised the Pope’s hostage release appeals as a “compassionate signal from the heart of the Catholic world.” Herzog’s presence highlighted the shared hope for peace amid the Gaza crisis.
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