Pope Leo XIV used his audience on Sunday, July 27, to make an appeal for peace. Specifically, the pontiff mentioned the conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as Gaza.
“I am following with deep concern the extremely grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is being crushed by hunger and continues to be exposed to violence and death,” Leo said. “I renew my heartfelt appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and full respect for international humanitarian law.”
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Leo called on political leaders to end the conflicts, saying, “I urge all parties in every conflict to recognize this dignity and to cease all actions that violate it.”
The pontiff shared his hope for dialogue and reconciliation for those affected by the clashes on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, “especially the children and displaced families,” and for “the victims of violence in southern Syria.“
A similar message was delivered during Leo’s Sunday, July 20, address. Following his weekly Angeles address, the pontiff expressed sorrow over the bombing of a Catholic church in Gaza on Thursday, July 17. According to the Vatican, three people were killed at the Holy Family Church.
Some 600 people displaced by the Israel-Hamas war were reportedly taking shelter at the church. Several people were injured, including the parish’s priest.
Leo called the conflict “barbaric,” and said “this act adds to the continuous military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attacks in a statement.
“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church,” the statement said. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.”
Pope Leo also took time on July 27 to thank the journalists in attendance for spreading the word in 56 different languages. He told the crowd they, “bring the Pope’s voice to the world.”
