TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV had a phone conversation on Monday, July 21, 2025, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and the escalation of violence in the West Bank, as stated by the Holy See Press Office, as reported by Anadolu.
In the conversation, the Vatican released a statement in which Pope Leo XIV reiterated the call for the protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law.
“The Holy Father repeated his appeal for international humanitarian law to be fully respected, emphasizing in particular the obligation to protect civilians and sacred places, the prohibition of the indiscriminate use of force and the forced transfer of the population," the press release said.
Amid what the Vatican described as a tragic humanitarian situation, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgency of delivering aid to affected civilians.
"Emphasis was placed on the urgent need to provide assistance to those most vulnerable to the consequences of the conflict and to allow the adequate entry of humanitarian aid," the press release stated.
The two leaders also marked a historic diplomatic milestone between the Holy See and the State of Palestine.
Pope Leo XIV "recalled the auspicious tenth anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, signed on 26 June 2015, which entered into force on 2 January 2016," the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, as reported by Middle East Eye, Pope Leo XIV faces growing calls to take direct action in Gaza. Several parties are urging him to lead an aid mission to the Gaza Strip after Israeli air strikes and amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
This push comes in response to a statement posted by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, expressing sorrow about the Israeli attack that killed three Christians at the Holy Family Catholic Church in the city of Gaza last week.
“Tragic news continues to arrive in these days from the Middle East, especially from Gaza,” the Pope wrote.
“I express my profound sadness regarding last Thursday’s attack by the Israeli army on the Catholic Parish of the Holy Family in Gaza City, which as you know killed three Christians and gravely wounded others. I pray for the victims… and I am particularly close to their families and to all the parishioners.”
He mentioned the names of the victims—Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, and Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud—and conveyed his spiritual support to their families and community.
While many welcomed the action, others criticized the Pope for not taking further action.
This new statement follows Pope Leo XIV's initial response, shared last Friday, which acknowledged the loss of lives but did not name Israel as the perpetrator.
The statement immediately sparked strong reactions and comparisons with his predecessor, Pope Francis, known for his outspoken criticism of the Israeli genocide in Gaza and his regular contact with the Catholic community in Gaza.
Now, there is increasing pressure on Pope Leo XIV not only to speak more firmly, but also to take action.
Some pointed out Pope Leo XIV's unique status on the global stage, with one writing that "there are like 6 or 7 people that Israel would not have the guts, or free license from the U.S., to shoot down if delivering aid, and the Pope is one of them."
Since October 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign and blockade—which genocide experts and international organizations have labeled as genocide—have devastated the Gaza Strip.
The UN humanitarian affairs office warned on Sunday that families in Gaza are suffering from "catastrophic hunger," with children "wasting away" and some dying before aid can reach them.
Gaza's civil defense agency said on Sunday that infant deaths from hunger have increased. “These heartbreaking cases were not caused by direct bombing but by starvation, the lack of baby formula and the absence of basic healthcare,” civil defense spokesperson Mahmud Bassal said, noting at least three similar deaths occurred just in the past week.
Since March 2, Israel has enforced a total blockade on Gaza, preventing the entry of food, medicines, and humanitarian aid. Relief agencies have repeatedly warned of man-made famine, yet there are no signs of abating.
Since October 2023, Israel has killed over 59,000 Palestinian residents in the Gaza Strip, the majority of whom are women and children. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, causing the collapse of the healthcare system, and creating a severe food crisis.
Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also facing a genocide lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war on the enclave.
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