Pope Francis Condemns Israeli Airstrikes, Calls for Reflection on Gaza Crisis
Yesterday, children were bombed," said Francis. "This is cruelty. This is not war. I wanted to say this because it touches the heart."
VATICAN CITY– Pope Francis once again voiced his condemnation of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, just a day after facing criticism from an Israeli minister for suggesting the global community should investigate whether the ongoing military campaign constitutes genocide against the Palestinian people.
In his annual Christmas address to Catholic cardinals, the pope made an emotional plea, referencing the bombing of Gaza on Friday that resulted in the deaths of at least 25 Palestinians, including children.
Read More: Kate Middleton’s powerful Christmas message goes viral
“Yesterday, children were bombed,” said Francis. “This is cruelty. This is not war. I wanted to say this because it touches the heart.”
The pope’s remarks follow earlier statements in which he questioned whether the military actions in Gaza bear the characteristics of genocide. These comments drew sharp criticism from Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli, who accused the pontiff of trivializing the term genocide in an open letter published by Italian newspaper Il Foglio.
Despite the backlash, Francis has continued to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marking a departure from his usual caution in addressing geopolitical conflicts.
Francis also revealed that the Catholic bishop of Jerusalem, known as a patriarch, attempted to visit Gaza on Friday but was denied entry. However, the Israeli military clarified on Saturday that the patriarch’s entry had since been approved and would proceed on Sunday, barring any significant security concerns.
Israel’s military emphasized its cooperation with the Christian community in Gaza, stating:
“We work in coordination with the Christian community to facilitate access for the remaining Christian population in Gaza and assist in relocating them to third countries if needed.”
The pope’s strong statements underscore the urgency of addressing the humanitarian toll of the Gaza conflict. His advocacy for reflection and dialogue reflects the Vatican’s broader commitment to peace and justice, particularly during the Christmas season, a time traditionally dedicated to hope and reconciliation.
The patriarch’s anticipated entry into Gaza and the ongoing aid efforts may offer a glimmer of hope for those caught in the conflict. Meanwhile, Pope Francis’s call for compassion and accountability continues to resonate on a global scale.
