ROME — Pope Francis has called for a thorough investigation into whether the recent military actions by Israel in Gaza can be classified as genocide, as stated in excerpts from an upcoming book to be released. This marks the first occasion where the pontiff has publicly requested such an inquiry regarding the allegations concerning Israel’s conduct in the region. Previously, in September, he described Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon as “immoral” and disproportionate, asserting that the military operations exceeded established norms of warfare.
The book, authored by Hernán Reyes Alcaide and based on interviews with Pope Francis, is titled “Hope never disappoints. Pilgrims towards a better world.” It is set to be published on Tuesday, coinciding with preparations for the Pope’s Jubilee Year in 2025. This jubilee is anticipated to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome as part of the Holy Year celebrations.
In the excerpts released by the Italian daily La Stampa, the Pope expresses: “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.” He advocated for a careful investigation to evaluate if the situation aligns with the legal definitions established by international jurists and organizations.
Last year, Pope Francis met with relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza as well as Palestinians enduring the ongoing conflict. His use of terms such as “terrorism” and “genocide”—language typically avoided by Vatican diplomats—ignited considerable debate. After these meetings, he reflected on the hardships faced by both Israelis and Palestinians, a conversation that occurred before the announcement of a hostages deal between Israeli and Hamas forces and a temporary cease-fire in hostilities.
The pontiff recently engaged with a group of Israeli hostages who had been released and their families, fostering discussions aimed at securing the release of those still captive. He retained editorial control over the new book, which also delves into other pressing topics, including migration and the integration challenges faced by migrants in their new countries.
Pope Francis emphasized the necessity of international collaboration in addressing migration issues. He stated, “Faced with this challenge, no country can be left alone and no one can think of addressing the issue in isolation through more restrictive and repressive laws, sometimes approved under the pressure of fear or in search of electoral advantages.” He supported the idea of combating the “globalization of indifference” with a response rooted in charity and collective effort. Additionally, he referred to the ongoing war in Ukraine as a significant cause of displacement, highlighting how it has forced many individuals to flee their homes, particularly in the conflict’s initial months.