Pope says he cannot ‘make any declaration’ as to whether Israel committing genocide

In quotes from an interview published today, Pope Leo XIV says he cannot declare that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

In the interview, which was conducted at the end of July for a forthcoming biography, Leo also says he has “great concern” for the situation in Gaza.

“The word genocide is being thrown around more and more,” he says. “The Holy See does not believe that we can make any declaration at this time about that.”

The statement stands in contrast to one made by Leo’s predecessor Francis, who in November 2024 called for the genocide charge to be investigated, drawing backlash from Israel, which adamantly rejects the accusation.

“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide,” Francis said at the time. “We should investigate carefully to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”

Francis, near the end of his papacy, made the situation in Gaza a significant focus of his.

Leo, who was elected in May, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the war and the release of Israeli hostages held by terror groups in the Strip.

Yesterday, he expressed “deep solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza who continue to live in fear and survive in unacceptable conditions, being forcibly displaced once again from their lands.”

But Leo has shown a more reserved style than his predecessor, who often gave interviews, spoke frankly about world events and sharply criticized both US President Donald Trump and Israel.

In the interview published today, Leo likewise shies away from directly criticizing Trump.