VATICAN CITY/JERUSALEM – July 20, 2025 — Pope Leo XVI has issued a powerful condemnation of the ongoing violence in Gaza, denouncing the "barbarity" of the conflict hours after Israeli forces opened fire at a humanitarian aid distribution point, killing at least 57 Palestinians and wounding dozens more, according to Gaza health authorities.
The deadly incident occurred early Sunday morning in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where thousands of civilians had gathered to receive desperately needed food and medical supplies amid months of conflict. Eyewitnesses and Palestinian officials said Israeli troops fired live ammunition into the crowd after a reported stampede broke out near the checkpoint.
Pope Leo XVI Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
Speaking during his Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XVI called the attack "an affront to humanity and a violation of sacred values." He pleaded for an immediate ceasefire, urging world leaders to intervene and facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian aid. "The barbarity must end; the children, women, and men of Gaza deserve peace and dignity," the pontiff said, addressing tens of thousands of faithful and global media.
The Pope’s remarks come as international concern mounts over the escalating humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and several international aid organizations have condemned the attack, calling for independent investigations and unrestricted access for relief workers.
Rising Death Toll and Escalating Crisis
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli military operations in the enclave since October 2023 has surpassed 36,000, with more than 80,000 wounded. The majority of casualties have been women and children, according to UN reports.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops fired "warning shots" to disperse crowds and prevent what they described as an "unauthorized breach" of the checkpoint. The IDF said it is reviewing the incident, but maintained that humanitarian corridors remain open "as security conditions allow." Human rights groups, however, contend that access to aid has been severely restricted, exacerbating famine and disease among Gaza's 2.2 million residents.
International Reactions and Calls for Accountability
- United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
- United States: The U.S. State Department expressed "deep concern" and urged Israel to undertake a thorough investigation. Calls for a two-state solution have intensified in recent congressional debates.
- European Union: EU leaders demanded accountability and increased humanitarian access, with several member states threatening to review arms sales to Israel.
Protests erupted in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, and Paris, as demonstrators called for an end to the conflict and greater protection for civilians.
Background: Months of War and Humanitarian Catastrophe
The latest violence follows nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas, triggered by the October 2023 attacks on southern Israel and subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza. Despite multiple international mediation attempts, ceasefire efforts have repeatedly collapsed.
With Gaza’s infrastructure devastated and its population facing acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, aid agencies warn of imminent famine and widespread disease outbreaks unless fighting ceases and humanitarian access is restored.
As global attention intensifies, Pope Leo XVI’s condemnation adds to mounting pressure on world leaders to broker a lasting peace and avert further civilian suffering in Gaza.
