DAWN.COM

Today's Paper | March 17, 2026

Updated 21 Apr, 2025 06:03pm

What was the pope’s stand on Gaza?

Pope Francis was an outspoken critic of Israel’s attacks on Gaza and made regular calls for a ceasefire, Al Jazeera reports.

Here are some of the occasions he publicly condemned the war on the besieged enclave:

  • During Francis’s last public remarks on Sunday on the occasion of Easter, the pontiff said: “The Israeli war on the Gaza Strip is generating death and destruction and causing a horrific and shameful humanitarian situation.” He urged a ceasefire and for aid to be allowed to enter Gaza. Israel has blocked the entry of all aid since March 2.

  • In January, Francis condemned Israel’s military campaign, calling the humanitarian crisis “very serious and shameful”. “We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians,” the pope said in an address.

  • In November, the pope suggested the global community should study whether Israel’s military campaign in Gaza constitutes a genocide of the Palestinian people. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing a genocide case against Israel. The late pontiff often was criticised by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the pope’s comments “disgraceful”.

  • In September, Francis decried the deaths of Palestinian children in Israeli military strikes in Gaza, calling the bombing of schools on the “presumption” of striking Hamas fighters “ugly”.

Read Comments

Punjab govt to take legal action against those involved in 'malicious campaign' over use of official jet Next Story