BREAKING Pope Leo XIV On Phone with Israel's PM Netanyahu for a Ceasefire in Gaza Following Attack of Catholic Church - VIDEO

Pope Leo XIV received a phone call from (Updated) Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on July 18, following the Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. The strike which hit Gaza's Catholic Church left 3 dead and wounded 10 including the parish priest. The Pope reaffirmed the urgent need to protect places of worship and achieve a ceasefire. The Holy Father renewed his appeal for negotiations and a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the Holy See Press Office.

FULL TEXT STATEMENT on the Call of POPE LEO XIV from the Vatican

This morning, in his residence at Castel Gandolfo, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, following yesterday’s military attack by the Israeli army that struck the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, killing three people and injuring others, including some seriously.

During the conversation, the Holy Father repeated his appeal for a renewed push for negotiations, a ceasefire and an end to the war. He again expressed his concern about the tragic humanitarian situation of the population in Gaza, whose children, elderly and sick are paying an agonizing price.

Finally, His Holiness reiterated the urgent need to protect places of worship and, especially, the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel.
Source: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2025/07/18/0504/00914.html