Pope Leo decries 'forced exile' of Gaza civilians

Pope Leo XIV speaks as he appears to lead the weekly Angelus prayer, at the Vatican, Sept 21, 2025. Vatican Media/Mario Tomassetti/Handout via REUTERS

Pope Leo spoke out against the forced displacement of Gaza civilians on Sunday as Israel intensified its military demolition campaign in the Palestinian enclave's main city.

"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," the Pope said during his weekly Angelus prayer.

The Holy Land encompasses parts of modern-day Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Egypt, that are sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Leo's role in advocating for peace in Gaza has become starker since Israel struck the territory's only Catholic church in July.

"The peoples need peace. Those who truly love them work for peace," the first pope from the United States added.