Background on Pope Leo XIV and His Role in the Conflict
Pope Leo XIV, whose role in advocating for peace in Gaza has grown significantly since Israel attacked the sole Catholic church in the territory last week, expressed his opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians to President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday.
The Vatican reported that Abbas, who leads the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, called the Pope on Monday, three days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for the church attack.
Context of the Church Attack and Israeli Response
Israel has claimed that the attack, which resulted in three deaths and injured the parish priest, was a mistake. The small church in Gaza has been a focal point for Pope Leo XIV’s peace advocacy throughout the conflict in the territory.
Pope Leo XIV’s predecessor, Pope Francis, had been in regular contact with the parish nightly. In Monday’s conversation with Abbas, Leo condemned the “indiscriminate use of force” and any “massive forced displacement” of people in the Gaza Strip, according to the Vatican.
Israel has stated its intention for Gazans to move to a special humanitarian zone in Gaza or leave the territory voluntarily. All major Palestinian factions and neighboring Arab states have rejected any plans that would displace them.
Pope Leo XIV’s Emotional Plea for Peace
In emotionally charged words following his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV read the names of those who perished in the Gaza church and called for an end to the “barbarity of war”.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pope Leo XIV? Pope Leo XIV is the current head of the Catholic Church, known for his active role in advocating for peace during the conflict in Gaza.
- What was the nature of the attack on the church in Gaza? The attack, carried out by Israel, resulted in three deaths and injured the parish priest. Israel has described it as a mistake.
- What is Pope Leo XIV’s stance on Palestinian displacement? Pope Leo XIV opposes any forced displacement of Palestinians, condemning the “indiscriminate use of force” and massive forced displacement in the Gaza Strip.
- What is Israel’s proposed solution for Gazans? Israel wants Gazans to move to a special humanitarian zone in Gaza or leave the territory voluntarily.
- How have Palestinian factions and neighboring Arab states responded to displacement plans? All major Palestinian factions and neighboring Arab states have rejected any plans that would displace them.
