Pope avoids genocide label in Gaza, voices grave concern over war

Pope Leo XIV avoided labeling the Gaza war a genocide, saying the term has a precise legal definition and that the Holy See cannot make such a declaration at this time. In an interview conducted in July with U.S. journalist Elise Ann Allen for the forthcoming book Pope Leo XIV: Global Citizen, Missionary of the 21st Century, the pope said the word genocide is being thrown around more and more. 'Officially, the Holy See does not believe that we can make any declaration at this time about that,' he added, noting there is 'a very technical definition' for genocide. While voicing grave concern over the war in the Middle East, he stopped short of accusing Israel of genocide and said clarification on the term remained unsettled as events continued to unfold.

The pope expressed solidarity with Gaza's civilian population, saying Palestinians have 'once again' been forced from their homes and are living in 'unacceptable conditions' as a result of the fighting, which was triggered by Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, massacre. He cautioned that there has been no clear response from international leaders on how to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza, adding that 'that is obviously of great concern' and that 'we can't ignore this'—so there is a need to 'continue to push, to try and make a change there.' The remarks come amid a broader push by church leaders and humanitarian groups urging access to aid and protection for noncombatants.

In July, the pontiff urged all parties to reach an agreement to end the war between Israel and Hamas, including the release of all hostages. 'I once again issue a strong appeal … so that an end may be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death,' he said. 'I implore that all hostages be freed, that a permanent ceasefire be reached, that the safe entry of humanitarian aid be facilitated, and that international humanitarian law be fully respected,' he added. The pope also noted that international humanitarian law imposes 'the obligation to protect civilians, prohibitions against collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of the population' and stressed that these norms apply to all sides of the conflict.

He underscored the difficulty of enforcing these standards in a protracted conflict, but said the obligation to protect civilians remains paramount and that accountability for violations is essential. The comments come as observers note the humanitarian situation remains dire for many Palestinians and as calls for a comprehensive ceasefire intensify.

Observers highlight that Leo’s comments align with a long-running Catholic church emphasis on humanitarian ground rules, even as the Vatican refrains from signaling a formal juridical label. In July, the pope also expressed concern following an Israeli strike that hit Gaza's Holy Family Catholic Church, reiterating his appeal for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who attended Leo’s Vatican inauguration, welcomed the pope’s calls for the release of hostages as a 'compassionate signal from the heart of the Catholic world.' The pope’s diplomacy continues to seek humane channels for ending hostilities and ensuring aid reaches those in need, even as political leaders wrestle with how to frame the violence legally and morally.