BRUSSELS: Pope Francis on Sunday slammed the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon, labeling the use of force as “immoral” and calling for an immediate ceasefire in the region.
During his return flight to Rome from Belgium on Sunday, Pope Francis said, “A country that acts this way with force, no matter the country, and that acts in such an excessive manner, (lends itself to) immoral actions.”
He emphasized that defense must always be proportional to the attack, warning that when this principle is violated, a dangerous trend emerges that transcends moral boundaries.
“Defense must always be proportional to the attack. When this is not the case, a dominating tendency appears that goes beyond morality,” the 87-year-old pontiff said in Italian.
“Even in war there is a morality to defend. War is immoral, but the rules of war indicate a form of morality,” Francis said.
Pope Francis urged all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities, stating, “I call on all parties to immediately cease fire in Lebanon, Gaza, the rest of Palestine and Israel.”
His comments come amid escalating violence, with Israel intensifying its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and continuing airstrikes in Gaza.
READ ALSO: Israel Kills Another Top Hezbollah Official in Lebanon as Airstrikes Continue
While in Belgium, the pope also addressed the persistent issue of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. During an open-air mass attended by approximately 40,000 people at the King Baudouin Stadium, he reiterated, “There is no place for abuse, there is no place for covering up abuse,” calling on bishops to confront and condemn those who perpetrate such acts.
Francis’s visit coincided with renewed discussions around the Church’s handling of abuse cases, prompted by a recent documentary that revealed numerous allegations of past misconduct. The pope met with victims during his stay, expressing deep empathy and urging transparency in addressing the issue.
Despite the serious undertones of his visit, Pope Francis was met with enthusiasm from the faithful, many of whom praised his progressive stance on various social issues, including migration. Attendees expressed admiration for his efforts to connect with the underprivileged and to promote values of compassion and inclusivity.
The pontiff’s visit marked the first by a pope to Belgium since John Paul II in 1995 and highlighted the ongoing disconnect between the Vatican and more progressive elements within the predominantly secular society.
