STORY: Pope Leo called for an end to the "barbarity of war" on Sunday (July 20) as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza.

Three people died and several were injured, including the parish priest, in the strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City on Thursday. Photos show its roof has been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and shattering windows.

Speaking after his Angelus prayer, Leo read out the names of those killed in the incident.

"I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, of indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of the population," he said.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: ROME, ITALY (JULY 20, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF POPE LEO ARRIVING TO LEAD ANGELUS PRAYERS AND SALUTING CROWDS

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"I express my deep sorrow for the attack by the Israeli army on the Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza City."

3. CROWDS

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"As you know, last Thursday it caused the death of three Christians and seriously injured others. I pray for the victims Saadissa Constantis Salam, Formia Issa Latif Ayad, Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud, and I am particularly close to their families and to all the parishioners."

5. POPE LEO SPEAKING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"This act, sadly, adds to the ongoing military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza. Once again, I call for an immediate end to the barbarity of war."

7. AUDIENCE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, of indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of the population. I call on to our beloved Middle Eastern Christians, I am close to you in your feeling of helplessness in the face of such a dramatic situation. You are in the heart of the Pope and of the whole Church. Thank you for your witness of faith."

9. CROWDS

10. POPE SALUTING CROWDS