• Pope Leo XIV calls for an immediate ceasefire and end to the 'barbarity' of the Gaza war.
• The pontiff condemned the Israeli strike on a Catholic church, which resulted in casualties.
• He urged the international community to adhere to humanitarian laws and protect civilians.

Pope Leo XIV has reiterated his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for international laws to be respected in order to protect civilians. "I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict," he stated during his Sunday Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, following a deadly Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church, which killed three and wounded ten others. The pope stressed the importance of humanitarian law, condemning acts of collective punishment and indiscriminate use of force, according to Le Monde and CBS News.

The pope's remarks come after a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where the pontiff expressed his "deep sorrow" for the attack on the church. Following the assault, which caused immense distress among local civilians, particularly children and the elderly, the pope underlined the tragedy affecting the civilian population due to the ongoing military actions in Gaza. Israel has expressed regret for the incident, describing it as a "mistake," according to CBS News and TRT Global.

Pope Leo XIV has actively condemned the forced mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza during discussions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He emphasized the need for dialogue and criticized the indiscriminate military actions that have resulted in significant suffering among the civilian population. As the conflict continues, the pope is advocating for peace and protection for all affected, explicitly opposing any plans that would lead to further displacement of Gazans, according to TRT Global and Le Monde.