The pontiff's condemnation of atrocities in Gaza reveals an increasing anger over Israel's actions in the holy land

Israel summoned the Vatican envoy to discuss Pope Francis' comments on Gaza airstrikes. The Pope described the airstrikes as cruel and urged for a Christmas ceasefire, which Israel criticised as ignoring Hamas' role in the conflict,

Pope Francis reflected on the devastating consequences of the Gaza war in an address at the Vatican on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the bombing of children in the Gaza Strip the previous day.