Pope Leo XIV has joined the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem in calling for peace in Gaza, urging an end to violence and the protection of civilians.
Patriarch Theophilos III, together with Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, August 26. The Patriarchs condemned what they described as the “deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians” and said the cycle of bloodshed must come to an end.
“There has been enough devastation, in the territories and in people’s lives,” they said. “There is no reason to justify keeping civilians as prisoners and hostages in dramatic conditions. It is now time for the healing of the long-suffering families on all sides.”
The Patriarchs added that their hope is for hearts to be converted, “so that we may walk in the paths of justice and life, for Gaza and the whole Holy Land.”
Papal appeal
A day later, Pope Leo XIV echoed their call, recalling the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace held on August 22. “I renew a strong appeal both to the parties involved and to the international community, that an end be put to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction, and death,” the Pope said.
Pope Leo XIV has called on Israel to end the ‘terror, destruction and death’ in Gaza. In his weekly address, he backed church leaders in Jerusalem who condemned Israel’s order to evacuate Gaza City, warning it would endanger vulnerable civilians. pic.twitter.com/rZrJFdNbEB
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 27, 2025
He pressed for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian law must be fully respected, particularly the duty to protect civilians and the prohibitions against collective punishment, indiscriminate violence, and forced displacement, he explained.
The Pope concluded by invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Let us implore Mary, Queen of Peace, source of consolation and of hope. May her intercession obtain reconciliation and peace in that land so dear to us all.”
Pastoral visit to Gaza
Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pizzaballa visited Gaza in late July after an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City killed three people and injured several others.
This morning Pope Leo renewed his call for an end to the violence against children in Gaza, while the Vatican’s top diplomat said they were “appalled” by Netanyahu’s “nonsense.” pic.twitter.com/uDk49pDqmg
— Christopher Hale (@chrisjollyhale) August 27, 2025
In their appeal, the Patriarchs said both the Catholic parish and St. Porphyrius Orthodox Church have sheltered hundreds of civilians since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023.
“We do not know exactly what will happen on the ground, not only for our community, but for the entire population,” they said. “We can only repeat what we have already said: There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge.”
International engagement
Earlier this month in Jerusalem, Patriarch Theophilos and other church leaders met with US Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley. The talks focused on attacks against churches and hospitals in Gaza, threats to Christian communities in the West Bank, and the wider humanitarian crisis.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” Patriarch Theophilos said, urging that life and dignity be preserved. The senators pledged to raise the concerns with the U.S. State Department and Embassy.
