Pope Leo, whose role in advocating for peace in Gaza has become notably stark since Israel struck the territory's only Catholic church last week, told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday that he opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians.

"Sadly, this act adds to the continuous military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza."

In a telephone conversation with President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine on Monday, Pope Leo XIV repeated his appeal for international humanitarian law to be fully respected. According to the Vatican,