Priests Against Genocide

Priest aganst genocide was first formed inLaunch of the network “Priests Against Genocide

Italian priests and bishops unite to demand justice, peace, and truth regarding the tragic situation affecting the Occupied Territories of Palestine.

September 4, 2025 — A group of over 200 priests from Italy and other parts of the world, shaken by the ongoing massacres in Gaza and escalation of violence in surrounding areas, announce the formation of the network “Priests Against Genocide”, a grassroots initiative aimed at gathering voices, experiences, and pastoral commitments to promote peace and the protection of all life, with a particular focus on the Holy Land.

“In the face of the horror of genocide affecting Gaza and the Palestinian people, as pastors we cannot remain silent,” declare the organizers, echoing the words of Pope Francis: 

“War is always a defeat, always.”

Goals of the Network

• Peace and Reconciliation: To pray and promote a “disarmed and disarming” peace—as stated by Pope Leo XIV—proclaiming the Gospel of reconciliation and love, even for enemies.
  
   
• Protection of Victims and International Legality: To give voice to the voiceless, denounce war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and all forms of genocide in Palestine and elsewhere; to demand respect for international law, UN resolutions, and rulings of the International Criminal Court.
  
   
• Christian Presence in the Holy Land: To support Christian communities in Palestine as and maintain a living church, where everyone feels at home.
  
   
• Truth and Accountability: To promote a culture of reconciliation rooted in justice, supporting independent investigations into the events of October 7, 2023, and all crimes committed under the Israeli occupation, before and after that date.

Planned Actions

• Public declaration signed by priests and bishops from across Italy and other countries.
  
   
• National gathering in Rome for prayer and public testimony.
  
   
• Local initiatives: catechesis, prayer vigils, and awareness events in parishes.
  
   
• Ecumenical and interreligious collaborations with organizations committed to peace and justice.

“We ask the Lord to give our political representatives the courage not to compromise, the strength to defend every human life, and the wisdom to build a peace founded on justice and truth. May all war cease, because as Saint John Paul II said: War is always a defeat for humanity.”