Pope Leo XIV addressed the escalating crisis in Gaza and the Vatican’s potential role as a mediator in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Newsroom (19/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) In an exclusive interview with Crux Now, Pope Leo XIV addressed pressing global conflicts, focusing on the escalating crisis in Gaza and the Vatican’s potential role as a mediator in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking with characteristic candor and compassion, the pontiff emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the complexities of achieving peace in the Middle East, and the challenges of Vatican diplomacy in global conflicts. Below is an in-depth exploration of his remarks, reflecting the urgency of the crises and the moral imperative for dialogue and hope.
The Escalating Crisis in Gaza: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
When asked about the worsening situation in Gaza, Pope Leo XIV expressed profound concern for the suffering of innocent civilians, particularly children, caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict. He acknowledged the limited impact of international pressure, including statements from the United States, a key third-party actor in the region. “Even with some very clear statements being made by the United States government, recently by President Trump, there has not been a clear response in terms of finding effective ways to alleviate the suffering of the people, the innocent people in Gaza,” he said. “That is obviously of great concern.”
The pontiff painted a grim picture of the humanitarian toll, highlighting the severe deprivation and starvation afflicting Gaza’s population. “It’s going to be very difficult because some of the people, especially children, when people go into not only deprivation but actual starvation, just to receive food doesn’t immediately solve the problem,” he noted. He stressed the need for comprehensive aid, including medical assistance and sustained humanitarian support, to address the crisis. “Right now, it still looks very, very grave,” he added.
Addressing the controversial use of the term “genocide” in relation to Gaza, Pope Leo XIV clarified the Holy See’s position: “Officially, the Holy See does not believe that we can make any declaration at this time about that. There’s a very technical definition about what genocide might be.” However, he acknowledged the growing discourse around the term, noting that “more and more people are raising the issue, including two human rights groups in Israel.” The pontiff described the televised images of suffering as “horrible” and urged the global community to resist desensitization. “Hopefully, we won’t grow numb,” he said. “As a Christian response, we can’t grow numb, and we can’t ignore this. Somehow, we have to continue to push, to try and make a change there.”
Despite the bleak outlook, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the necessity of hope and action. “We have to continue to push,” he said, calling for renewed efforts to alleviate suffering and foster dialogue in a region where tensions show no signs of abating.
The Vatican’s Role in Ukraine: Advocacy Over Mediation
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV drew a clear distinction between the Vatican’s moral advocacy for peace and its potential role as a mediator. While he has consistently called for an end to the “useless killing” in Ukraine and other conflicts, he acknowledged that mediation is a more complex and less feasible goal at present. “I’d make a distinction in terms of the voice of the Holy See in advocating for peace and a role as mediator, which I think is very different and is not as realistic as the first one,” he said.
The pontiff reiterated his appeals for peace, emphasizing that they reflect “the voice of Christians and the people of goodwill” who believe that “peace is the only answer.” He expressed frustration at the prolonged suffering on both sides of the conflict, urging global leaders to seek alternative paths to resolution. “People have to somehow be wakened up to say, there’s another way to do this,” he said.
On the question of Vatican mediation, Pope Leo XIV noted past offers to host negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, either in the Vatican or on other church properties. However, he remained pragmatic about the challenges. “I’m very well aware of what the implications of that are,” he said, referring to the delicate balance the Holy See must maintain. Since the war’s outset, the Vatican has strived to uphold a neutral stance, a position that has occasionally led to misinterpretations of the pontiff’s statements. “Some things I’ve said have been interpreted in one way or the other, and that’s alright,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of neutrality in preserving the Vatican’s credibility.
For mediation to succeed, the pontiff argued, external actors must exert sufficient pressure to compel the warring parties to negotiate. “A number of different actors have to push hard enough to make the parties that are at war say, enough is enough, and let’s look for another way to solve our differences,” he said. While acknowledging the obstacles, he remained steadfast in his optimism. “We keep hoping. I believe strongly that we cannot give up hope, ever,” he said. “I have high hopes in human nature.”
A Call for Hope and Higher Values
Throughout the interview, Pope Leo XIV returned to the theme of hope as a cornerstone of his approach to global crises. He recognized the presence of “bad actors” and competing motivations in any conflict but urged individuals and leaders to focus on “higher values” that transcend division. “You can have hope, and you keep trying to push and say to people, let’s do this in a different way,” he said.
The pontiff’s remarks reflect the Vatican’s broader mission to serve as a moral voice in a fractured world. While acknowledging the limitations of its diplomatic influence, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the power of persistent advocacy and the enduring need for dialogue. His words underscore a sobering reality: in regions like Gaza and Ukraine, the path to peace remains fraught, but the call to action—rooted in compassion, hope, and moral clarity—must not waver.
As the world grapples with these crises, Pope Leo XIV’s message is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the pursuit of peace and justice remains a shared human responsibility.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
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