Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) — Pope Leo XIV renewed his call on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect international laws and the obligation to protect civilians.

Pope Leo called for an end to the 'barbarity of war' on Sunday as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza.

Is it ever acceptable for a sanctuary to turn into an arena of destruction? The July 17 attack on Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church, the sole Catholic parish in the enclave, has left not only broken walls but a deep sense of loss and indignation within faith groups around the world.