Pope Leo XIV has joined Jerusalem's leading Christian figures in denouncing Israel's declared intention to seize Gaza City, labeling it a form of "collective punishment" and calling for a lasting ceasefire.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a joint statement on August 26, warning that Israel's proposed takeover of Gaza City and the displacement of civilians to the southern part of the Gaza Strip was "unjustified and unnecessary."
They argued that such actions would effectively be a death sentence for the already vulnerable and malnourished individuals seeking refuge in Christian churches in the area.
Pope Leo XIV amplified their plea in a series of posts on his official X account on Wednesday. He stated, "Today I renew a forceful appeal both to the parties involved and to the international community, that an end be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death."
He further demanded the release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, the safe entry of humanitarian aid, and full respect for humanitarian law, particularly the obligation to protect civilians and the prohibitions against collective punishment.
As reported by Newsmax, he added, "I join the Joint Declaration of the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchs of Jerusalem, who yesterday called for 'an end to this spiral of violence, an end to the war, and for the common good of people to be put first.'"
During his weekly general audience at the Vatican, attended by thousands, Pope Leo XIV was twice interrupted by applause as he advocated for the release of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas and for an end to the 22-month-long war.
He reiterated his call for a permanent ceasefire, the safe entry of humanitarian aid, and full respect for humanitarian law, citing the prohibitions against "collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population."
The patriarchs, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, emphasized that Gaza's Holy Family Catholic parish and Saint Porphyrius Orthodox church have been providing shelter to hundreds of civilians, including the elderly, women, children, and the disabled.
They stated that evacuation orders from Israel would amount to "nothing less than a death sentence." Clergy and nuns have pledged to stay with those under their care, despite the impending offensive in Gaza City, the territory's largest population center before the war began.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to proceed with the Gaza City operation while also pursuing a ceasefire proposal. However, critics, including the families of hostages, argue that such an offensive will only further endanger lives.
Human rights organizations have warned that plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza amount to forced expulsion under the guise of "voluntary emigration."
Pope Leo XIV, who recently emphasized the right of all peoples "to live in their own lands," reiterated that no government can forcibly exile civilians. The patriarchs, in their joint statement, said, "There has been enough devastation, in the territories and in people's lives. It is now time for the healing of the long-suffering families on all sides."
The situation in Gaza continues to be a source of concern for the international community. The call for a permanent ceasefire and the protection of civilians, particularly those seeking refuge in religious institutions, remains a pressing issue.
The patriarchs' joint statement and Pope Leo XIV's appeal underscore the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in the region. The world watches and waits, hoping for a resolution that respects the rights and lives of all involved.
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