A demonstration organized by the “Priests Against Genocide” network took place at the Vatican, with participants marching to St. Peter’s Basilica to call for action regarding the conflict in Gaza. The group carried a banner listing the names of 300 children they said died during Israel’s military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
The “Priests Against Genocide” network was established in August 2025 and now comprises over 2,500 priests and bishops representing five continents, according to organizers. Among those participating in the march was Franco Moscone, the bishop of Manfredonia, Italy. The demonstration drew a significantly larger turnout than a previous march the network organized.
Following their gathering near St. Peter’s Basilica, participants proceeded to the Palestinian and Lebanese embassies and subsequently to the Rome headquarters of Leonardo SpA, an Italian defense manufacturer. The marchers remained outside Vatican territory and were accompanied by Italian police.
The conflict has been the subject of international scrutiny and debate. Some experts, including those working with United Nations bodies, have characterized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide. Pope Francis has previously called for an investigation to determine whether genocide has occurred. Israel has rejected such characterizations, stating that it takes measures to minimize civilian casualties and attributing civilian deaths to Hamas’s use of densely populated areas for operations.
Israel initiated its military offensive in Gaza following attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians. Gaza health authorities report over 73,000 Palestinian deaths from the conflict, though they do not provide a breakdown distinguishing between civilian and militant casualties. According to these health officials, women and children represent nearly half of the reported deaths.
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