On Sunday, as Israel stepped up its military demolition campaign in the major city of the Palestinian territory, Pope Leo voiced his opposition to the forcible relocation of residents in Gaza.
The pope added, “Together with the pastors of the churches in the Holy Land, I repeat that there is no future based on violence, forced exile, and revenge,” in his monthly Angelus prayer.
Sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the Holy Land includes portions of present-day Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Egypt.
Since Israel attacked the only Catholic church in Gaza in July, Leo’s role in promoting peace in the region has been even more apparent.
“The populace requires tranquility. The first American pope continued, “Those who genuinely love them strive for peace.”
