Pope says claims of genocide in Gaza must be investigated

In a new book, Pope Francis called for an investigation into whether Israel's ground offensive in Gaza constitutes a genocide, sparking intense debate over the war — and also raising questions about the tangible impact papal statements have on Catholics and global politics.

The comments were reported in the book, Hope never disappoints: pilgrims on their way to a better worldpublished this week by journalist Hernán Reyes Alcaide. They represent the pope's first public attempt to investigate Israel's war against Hamas, which has killed some 44,000 Palestinians in the past thirteen months, according to Gaza's health ministry.

“Some experts say that what is happening in Gaza has the hallmarks of a genocide,” the Pope told Alcaide. “We must carefully examine whether this fits the technical definition formulated by lawyers and international bodies.”

The 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide defines genocide as actions aimed at destroying, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. That includes everything from killing to preventing births or forcibly transferring children.

The pope's comments come as most of Gaza's 2.2 million residents face mass displacement, collapsing infrastructure and widespread hunger. Aid agencies have described the conditions as 'apocalyptic'. While the comments are his strongest yet, observers say they may not be decisive for most people — Catholic or otherwise.

Comments provoke criticism from Israel

The Catholic leader's words drew a sharp rebuke from Israel, with the ambassador to the Vatican, Yaron Sideman, rejecting the genocide label. He wrote on

Francis and other Catholic leaders have criticized Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank and Gaza without opposing the country's continued existence. And while the Catholic Church is a… history of anti-SemitismPope Francis has had good relations with the Jewish communities in Buenos Aires, where he was archbishop, and in Rome, said Lisa Palmieri-Billig, representative of the American Jewish Committee in Italy and liaison to the Holy See.

“It's a shame that he chose something that does not fit the definition of genocide,” Palmieri-Billig said. “I think it convinces people who don't have an opinion, who say, 'Well, the Pope said this, so it must be true.' The politicians have already decided.”

Palestinians see the comments as confirmation

For many Palestinians, the pope's comments, first published in an excerpt in the Italian daily La Stampa on Sunday, came as welcome confirmation.

“We have always expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his support for human rights, justice and Palestinian self-determination,” the Palestinian Community of Rome said in a statement.

“Pope Francis has consistently expressed concern about Palestinian suffering and called for respect for international law.”

The group's president, Yousef Salman, later characterized the pope's comments as better late than never.

“What he said was just a small part of the truth and reality,” Salman told CBC, “and what the International Court of Justice, the UN and Amnesty International have already said. The bitter truth is that he said nothing new.”

A case brought by South Africa alleging genocidal actions by Israel is under consideration at the International Court of Justice.

Still, Salman noted, “The Pope is still the Pope. His words have moral and political weight.”

Previous papal politics

The pope has in the past used the term “genocide” to describe historical atrocities such as the Armenian genocide, despite opposition from Turkey. He also said Canada's residential school system and the forced assimilation of indigenous children amounted to genocide.

In 2017, while visiting Myanmar and Bangladesh, Francis condemned the prosecution of the Rohingya Muslims, although he initially did not mention them by name.

Other popes have also entered politics.

In 2003, Pope John Paul II strongly against the US-led invasion of Iraq, which called it a “defeat for humanity” and intensified but failed to stop anti-war protests.

During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, John Paul II was the most important call first a genocide and pushed for reconciliation, although Francis later asked for forgiveness for the Catholic priests who had participated in the murders. The Vatican also failed to do so speak broadly against the Holocaust.

Pope's comments tend to reinforce established views: observers

While Pope Francis' recent comments on Gaza could be seen as a moral challenge to world leaders, observers say they tend to reinforce established views on conflict, human rights and other pressing issues, rather than change minds.

“Individual Catholics might pay more attention to the Pope's call for a genocide investigation, especially since the Pope said so, but he has made his position on Gaza clear from the beginning of the conflict,” Francis X said. Rocca, a former observer at the Vatican. in Rome.

LOOK | Pope Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza in April:

Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in Gaza in his Easter speech

In his Easter Sunday address, Pope Francis lamented the suffering caused by wars as he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages. The pope, who presided over Mass in a packed St. Peter's Square, also mentioned other flashpoints, including Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Haiti and Sudan.

“His criticism of the situation should not be surprising.”

Rocca says the pope's stance on Gaza reflects his careful diplomacy, while underscoring his increasing skepticism about the concept of a “just war” — a theory rooted in Catholic theology that justifies war under specific circumstances.

Pope Francis has said publicly the use of weapons has been justified, most recently when referring to Ukraine defending itself against Russia's invasion, but has done so with great hesitation, observers say.

“I think the Pope is bringing the Church closer and closer to pacifism,” said Vatican observer Robert Mickens.

Mickens suggests that this move is motivated both by the Pope's desire to align with early Christian pacifist values ​​and by the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.

“He has allowed people within his pontificate to question the entire concept of 'just war,' and he often speaks out about the amount of money being gobbled up by the arms industry,” Mickens said.

“But what he says doesn't seem to change most people's minds, I'm afraid.”