STORY: Pope Leo XIV spoke out against the "forced exile" of Palestinians on Sunday (September 21) as Israel intensified its military demolition campaign in Gaza City.

"There is no future based on violence, on forced exile, on revenge," the pontiff said during the traditional Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square.

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

The pope's words came as 10 countries, including Britain, are expected to formally recognise an independent Palestinian state ahead of the annual leaders' gathering at the U.N. General Assembly.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (SEPTEMBER 21, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO APPEARING FROM WINDOW OF PAPAL APARTMENTS

2. PEOPLE IN ST PETER'S SQUARE

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"My first address is to the representatives of various Catholic associations engaged in solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip."

4. PEOPLE IN SQUARE HOLDING BANNER READING (Italian) "Peace for Gaza"

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING (SOUNDBITE STARTS ON PREVIOUS SHOT):

"My dears, I appreciate your initiative and many others throughout the Church that express closeness to our brothers and sisters who are suffering in that martyred land. With you and with the pastors of the churches in the Holy Land, I repeat: there is no future based on violence, on forced exile, on revenge."

6. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Peoples need peace, and those who truly love them work for peace."

8. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Thank you all, and I wish you all a good Sunday."