Pope Leo says Gaza conflict is not genocide

The Vatican “cannot at this stage” describe the war waged by Israel in Gaza as a genocide, Pope Leo XIV said in an interview conducted in July and published Friday.

“The word genocide is being used more and more. Officially, the Holy See believes that we cannot make a pronouncement on this matter for the moment,” the American-born pope explained in a book released in Peru under the title “Leon XIV, Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century.”

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, massacres carried out by Hamas, which left thousands dead and saw hundreds taken hostage. 

Nearly two years later, Israel remains engaged in operations against Hamas and other terrorist organizations, with the stated aim of dismantling militant infrastructure and securing the release of hostages.

While accusations of genocide have been leveled against Israel in some international forums, Pope Leo XIV’s statement reflects a measured and cautious approach. 

The pontiff underscored that the Vatican does not consider itself in a position to adopt such terminology at present.

By refraining from adopting politicized narratives, the Pope emphasized an objective stance: acknowledging the suffering in Gaza while recognizing that Israel is engaged in a war against terrorist groups, not a campaign of extermination.