A procession of approximately 150 Catholic clergy, including priests, bishops, friars, and nuns, took place in Rome to protest Israel's actions in Gaza. The march, organized by Priests Against Genocide, an international Catholic network, began with a stop near St. Peter's Square. Participants carried olive branches and posters, including one depicting the Madonna holding an emaciated child with the words "Christ Died in Gaza." The event aimed to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The clergy carried a large white banner bearing the names of hundreds of Palestinian and Lebanese children killed in Israeli airstrikes. The march continued to the Palestinian and Lebanese embassies, and ended outside the headquarters of Italian arms manufacturer Leonardo. Italian Archbishop Franco Moscone, who participated in the event, called for international arrest warrants targeting arms-industry executives. Moscone has previously compared Israel's conduct in Gaza to Nazi methods.
The event was organized by Priests Against Genocide, which was established last year. According to the group, clergy from eight countries participated, including South Africa, England, Ireland, Germany, the US, and Spain. The network has taken a more categorical position than the Holy See on the issue of genocide in Gaza.
The late Pope Francis called for an investigation into whether Israel's actions in Gaza met the legal definition of genocide. However, his successor, Pope Leo XIV, has stated that the Vatican is not prepared to make such a determination. A UN commission of inquiry concluded in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, citing killings, serious bodily and mental harm, and deliberately destructive living conditions.
Israel strongly rejects the genocide allegation, saying it targets militants and seeks to minimize civilian casualties. The country accuses Hamas of operating in densely populated areas. Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians. Gaza health authorities report that more than 73,000 Palestinians have since been killed, nearly half of them women and children.
The International Court of Justice is currently considering a case brought by South Africa regarding the allegations of genocide in Gaza. The court has yet to issue a final judgment. The protests and awareness campaigns by groups like Priests Against Genocide highlight the ongoing international debate about the situation in Gaza.
The march in Rome is part of a broader international response to the crisis in Gaza. Various countries and organizations have called for an end to the violence and for accountability for those responsible. The Catholic clergy's participation in the march underscores the diverse perspectives on the issue and the efforts to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis.
Key points
- Around 150 Catholic clergy participated in the Rome protest.
- The march was organized by Priests Against Genocide, an international Catholic network.
- The event aimed to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and demand an end to Israel's actions.
