VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The “barbarity of war” and forced displacement of people have to end, and civilians and places of worship have to be protected, Pope Leo XIV implored.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday slammed the "barbarity" of Israel's war on Gaza as its campaign of mass killing and starvation in the Palestinian territory continues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Pope Leo XIV on Friday after Israel's deadly attack on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza that killed three people and wounded 10 others, according to the Vatican.