In a recently published book, Pope Francis has for the first time addressed accusations of genocide related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, though he does not explicitly endorse the term. The book, titled 'Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Toward a Better World', is authored by Hernán Reyes Alcaide and is based on interviews with the Pope. It has been released in Italy, Spain, and Latin America, and includes a discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging that the events there must be thoroughly investigated.
In one passage, the Pope states: “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. This should be studied carefully to determine whether it fits the technical definition as formulated by jurists and international bodies.” The 87-year-old pontiff also references historical genocides, such as the extermination of Jews during World War II, the Armenian genocide under the Ottoman Empire, the Tutsis in Rwanda, and the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. This marks the first time he has publicly used the term 'genocide' in relation to Israeli military operations in the Palestinian territory, although he does not fully adopt the term.
Pope Francis also frequently calls for the release of all Israeli hostages in his public addresses. On November 14, he met with a group of 16 former hostages who had been freed after months of captivity in Gaza. That same day, a special United Nations committee published a report stating that the methods of warfare employed by Israel 'have the characteristics of a genocide.'
In the new book, Pope Francis also addresses issues of migration, the challenges of integrating migrants in their host countries, and the increasing inhumane treatment of people in the face of contemporary problems. He emphasizes that “Faced with this challenge, no country can be left alone and no one can think of addressing the issue in isolation through more restrictive and repressive laws, sometimes approved under the pressure of fear or in search of electoral advantages.” Instead, he advocates for a “globalization of charity and cooperation, so that the conditions of emigrants are humanized.” The Pope also mentions the ongoing conflict, stating that the “still open wound of the war has led thousands of people to abandon their homes, especially during the first months of the conflict.”
'Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Toward a Better World', edited by Hernán Reyes Alcaide (Edizioni Piemme), is now available in Italy, Spain, and Latin America, with plans for release in other countries as well.
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