Pope Leo calls Gaza genocide ‘collective punishment’

Pope Leo XIV called on Israel to halt “collective punishment” and the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, urging an immediate and permanent ceasefire to end what he described as “terror, destruction, and death.”

The pope was interrupted twice by applause as he delivered his appeal during his weekly general audience at the Vatican.

Leo, the first American pope,  also appealed for the release of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.