Pope Francis Condemns 'Arrogance of the Occupier' in Palestine and Ukraine
Pope Francis has made a significant statement condemning what he termed the 'arrogance of the occupier' in both Palestine and Ukraine. Speaking at the Vatican on November 25, 2024, during the 40th anniversary of the peace treaty between Chile and Argentina, the Pope expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crises in these regions, labeling them as 'great failures for humanity.' His comments reflect a growing urgency for dialogue and peace amidst ongoing conflicts.
In his address, the Pope criticized the excessive use of force in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for restraint and emphasizing that peace must be rooted in justice and fairness. He denounced the hypocrisy of discussing peace while wars continue, particularly highlighting the arms trade as a barrier to achieving lasting solutions. This marks one of the most explicit condemnations of Israeli policies by the Pope, who has previously recognized the State of Palestine and advocated for a two-state solution.
The Pope's remarks come shortly after the release of his new book, 'Hope Never Fails: A Pilgrimage to a Better World,' where he suggested that the situation in Gaza warrants examination under the definition of genocide—a claim that has been firmly rejected by Israel. His statements have positioned the Vatican as a key player in the international discourse surrounding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reinforcing the need for dialogue as a pathway to peace.
