Leo XIV calls for an end to the barbarism in Gaza and denounces attacks on places of worship and forced displacements.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on the world not to justify the "collective punishment" suffered by the civilian population in Gaza and their "forced displacement," and urged them to be protected with "respect for humanitarian law" in the Strip.

"There can be no justification for collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, or the forced displacement of inhabitants," the Pope said, addressing the international community at the end of the Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo, the town near Rome where he is spending his summer vacation.

The American-Peruvian pontiff once again spoke out against the violence in the Middle East, following last Thursday's Israeli attack on the Holy Family parish , the only Catholic church in Gaza, which left three dead and several injured.

"This incident adds to the ongoing military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza," he said, reiterating his call for an "immediate halt to the barbarity of the war" and advocating that "a peaceful solution to the conflict is urgent."

Leo XIV, who named the victims of the attack on the church one by one, expressed his "deep sorrow" and said he felt "especially close to their families and all the parishioners of the parish."

He also had words of encouragement for Christians in the Middle East, telling them he felt "deeply close" to the feeling of "being powerless to do anything in the face of this dramatic situation."

Previously, in a brief statement to journalists after the Sunday Mass he celebrated in the cathedral of Albano, near his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope asked

"lay down their weapons" and noted that "the world can no longer bear" the war.

Asked about his telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the recent Israeli attack on Catholic Gaza, which left three dead and several injured, he said: "We insist on the need to protect sacred sites and to work together in this regard."

Leo XIV received a real mass following in the streets of the historic center of Albano, where thousands of faithful surrounded him with applause, banners, Vatican flags, and shouts of "Long live the Pope!" and followed the mass from two town squares, one of them via a giant screen.

The Pope walked the route between the cathedral and his summer residence under a relentless sun and a persistent wind that even forced him at one point to remove his skullcap before beginning the Angelus prayer.

During the walk, he stopped again and again to greet and bless the sick and children, sign autographs on rosaries, notebooks, and T-shirts, and listen to the excited pilgrims who approached.

This Sunday's event was the last official event scheduled for Leo XIV before returning to the Vatican after a two-week rest period, which was due to end this Sunday, although it will be extended "for a few days," as Leo XIV himself announced from the doorway of the Castel Gandolfo palace.

The Vatican Press Office later confirmed that Leo XIV will remain at the summer residence until Tuesday afternoon.

During his homily this morning, the pontiff encouraged people to take advantage of the summer to foster closeness and acceptance, and invited them to escape the "whirlwind of worries" and enjoy moments of tranquility.

"Let's take advantage of all this to enjoy some quiet and contemplative moments, as well as to share, by going somewhere, the joy of seeing each other, as it is for me to be here today," he said, referring to his stay in the Roman town where popes traditionally spend their summers.

He also urged solidarity to promote "a culture of peace" among "people, nations, and religions."