Pope Leo XIV condemns the forced expulsion of Palestinians in Gaza

During Sunday's Angelus prayer, Pope Leo sharply criticized the violent expulsion of civilians in Gaza, which is accompanying the Israeli military offensive in the capital of the Palestinian enclave.

“Together with the shepherds of the churches in the Holy Land, I repeat that the future cannot be built on violence, forced exile, and revenge,” he said. The Holy Land encompasses the territories of present-day Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Egypt, which are sacred to the three major monotheistic religions.

The Pope's stance hardened after Israel attacked the only Catholic church in Gaza in July. “The peoples need peace. Those who truly love them work for peace,” added the first Pope from the United States.

(reuters, sab)