Pope Leo XIV speaks with Abbas on Gaza crisis

Pope Leo XIV emphasizes Humanitarian Law and civilian safety in a call with Mahmoud Abbas.

Pope urges protection of civilians in Gaza during call with Palestinian President

Pope Leo XIV spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank. He urged for the protection of civilians and sacred sites while reiterating the need for respect for International Humanitarian Law. The Pope's call follows a troubling escalation of violence, including an Israeli strike that damaged a Catholic church in Gaza. In the conversation, Pope Leo highlighted the necessity for humanitarian aid access to assist the vulnerable populations affected by the conflict. He also commemorated the tenth anniversary of the agreement between the Holy See and Palestine, emphasizing durable dialogue amid current tensions.

This call reflects the Vatican's ongoing commitment to advocating for peace in the Middle East amid escalating violence. The Pope's insistence on respecting International Humanitarian Law is critical in these moments, where civilian lives may be at risk. His approach not only illustrates the moral stance of the Church but also the importance of international support for vulnerable communities caught in conflict. Furthermore, this communication highlights the role of religious leadership in political discussions and humanitarian responses.

Highlights

The reaction to this call may influence international perspectives on the conflict.