During his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia on 21 December 2024, Pope Francis strongly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as acts of "cruelty" rather than legitimate warfare. The Pope expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave, reflecting on the tragic loss of lives, particularly children, and emphasising that such acts defy the rules of war.

Pope Francis opened his remarks with an emotional reference to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who was unable to enter Gaza on 20 December despite having all the necessary permits. The Pope lamented this incident as emblematic of the severe restrictions and hardships faced by Palestinians under the ongoing conflict.

In his address, the Pope also denounced the continued bombings in Gaza, which have claimed the lives of countless civilians, including children. He underscored that these actions "wound the soul" and cannot be considered legitimate warfare, urging the international community to reflect deeply on the morality of such operations.

These statements follow Pope Francis’s controversial comments in November, where he suggested that allegations of "genocide" in Gaza warranted serious consideration. His remarks at the time sparked significant international debate and highlighted the urgent need for accountability in the region.

Israel has responded to the Pope’s criticism, calling his comments "disappointing and disconnected" and defending its military operations as compliant with the laws of armed conflict. Israeli officials accused the Pope of bias, further intensifying diplomatic tensions over the issue.