On his return from Belgium, Pope Francis shared his concerns about the recent attacks by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, labeling them as “immoral” and pointing out that the military actions have exceeded the boundaries of just war principles. Without explicitly naming Israel, the Pope criticized the targeted killing of Hezbollah’s founding member, Hassan Nasrallah, in a strike that resulted in significant destruction and casualties in Beirut. The Pope emphasized the importance of proportionality in defense responses to attacks, stating that actions that surpass this principle veer into immorality, regardless of the country involved. Even in the context of war, Pope Francis stressed the existence of moral guidelines that should be followed to prevent atrocities.

The death of Hassan Nasrallah has reverberated across Lebanon and the Middle East, given his long-standing influence both politically and militarily in the region. While U.S. President Joe Biden characterized the Israeli strike as a form of justice for victims of Hezbollah’s actions, Pope Francis has sought to maintain a balanced response to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and southern Lebanon. He has consistently called for an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Pope Francis noted that he makes daily calls to the Catholic parish in Gaza to inquire about their well-being in light of the challenging circumstances.

In navigating his statements on the recent Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing conflicts, Pope Francis has emphasized the humanitarian aspect and called for a resolution that prioritizes peace and minimizes civilian suffering. The stance taken by the Pope underscores his commitment to advocating for the protection of vulnerable populations and promoting dialogue as a means to achieve lasting peace in the region.

The Pope’s remarks highlight the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the need for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy, respect for human rights, and adherence to international humanitarian law. Amid escalating tensions and violence, Pope Francis’ calls for proportionality, morality, and compassion serve as a reminder of the values that should guide actions in times of conflict.