Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV renewed his urgent appeal for peace in Gaza during his weekly General Audience, expressing profound sympathy for civilians caught in the escalating conflict. Speaking before thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday morning, the Holy Father described the situation in Gaza as dire, noting that people continue to live in fear, endure displacement, and face unacceptable conditions.
The Pope’s remarks come in the wake of a major Israeli military offensive against Gaza City, which began on Tuesday, prompting authorities to order mass evacuations amid the most intense bombardments the city has experienced in nearly two years of conflict. According to reports from Hamas, more than 350,000 residents have fled eastern Gaza City to temporary displacement centres, while another 175,000 have left the city entirely, creating a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions.
Invoking the commandment “Thou shalt not kill,” Pope Leo XIV stressed the inviolable dignity of every human being, declaring that all lives must be respected and protected regardless of political or military circumstances. “Every person always has an inviolable dignity, to be respected and protected,” he said, underscoring that human life cannot be sacrificed in pursuit of strategic objectives.
The Pontiff renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a diplomatic solution to the crisis, while urging all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law. He emphasized that dialogue, justice, and restraint must guide actions, even amid intense conflict, and warned against allowing violence and fear to dictate responses.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo invited the faithful to join him in prayer, hoping that a “dawn of peace and justice may soon rise” over Gaza. His appeal reflects the Vatican’s continued engagement with the crisis and its advocacy for the protection of civilians, the preservation of human dignity, and the pursuit of a lasting resolution through negotiation and compassion.