Netanyahu Slammed: “Dark and Bloodthirsty Plan”

Vatican Cardinal calls Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu a “tyrant” in a bold rebuke following the deadly attack on Gaza’s sole Catholic church, raising eyebrows and tensions worldwide.

At a Glance

Cardinal Lojudice labels Netanyahu a “tyrant” after church attack in Gaza.
Vatican’s rhetoric marks a significant escalation in criticism of Israeli actions.
The church was sheltering over 500 civilians at the time of the attack.
Pope Leo XIV calls for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief.

Vatican Condemnation of Israeli Actions

Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, a senior Vatican official, recently denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “tyrant” who is orchestrating a “dark and bloodthirsty plan for power.” This condemnation comes in the wake of a devastating military strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which killed three people and injured nine others, including the parish priest. The church was the only Catholic parish in the region and had been serving as a refuge for hundreds during the conflict.

Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, a judge of the Vatican Supreme Court and colleague of Pope Leo XIV in the Curia for five years, compared what Israel is doing to the Palestinians in Gaza with what the Nazis did to the Jews.

In an interview with the Italian daily La Stampa,… pic.twitter.com/T3vu7HwY29

— EIR News Service (@execintelreview) July 22, 2025

The Vatican, historically a voice for peace and diplomacy, has escalated its rhetoric following this tragic incident. Cardinal Lojudice’s comparison of the Israeli actions to Nazi atrocities is a stark departure from the Vatican’s usual diplomatic caution. His remarks, published in an interview with *La Stampa,* have captured international attention, underscoring the moral outrage felt by senior Catholic figures.

Timeline of Events

The deadly attack occurred on July 17, 2025, when Israeli artillery shells struck the Holy Family Catholic Church. The church was sheltering over 500 civilians, including children and people with disabilities, at the time. Following the attack, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life.

On July 23, Cardinal Lojudice’s interview with *La Stampa* was published, marking a significant escalation in the Vatican’s public condemnation of Israeli leadership and military actions. By July 29, international media coverage had intensified, and the Vatican’s tone continued to harden as the world watched.

Broader Implications of the Attack

The attack on the church and the subsequent Vatican condemnation have strained relations between the Vatican and Israel. The Holy Family Catholic Church’s role as a sanctuary for hundreds during the ongoing conflict highlights the severe humanitarian impact of the violence. The church, being the only Catholic parish in Gaza, has amplified religious and humanitarian concerns worldwide.

Palestinian civilians, already suffering from repeated cycles of violence, now face heightened fears as attacks on places of worship continue. Meanwhile, the Israeli government, led by Netanyahu, insists on pursuing its military objectives, citing security concerns, despite growing international scrutiny and criticism.

International and Religious Responses

The Vatican’s strong condemnation is already influencing global Catholic opinion on the conflict. Pope Leo XIV’s appeals for peace have traditionally been more diplomatic, but the recent explicit language used by Cardinal Lojudice marks a shift in tone. This shift could potentially embolden other religious leaders to speak out against geopolitical injustices.

The international community, including media and humanitarian organizations, continues to call for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to Gaza. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing violence and limited aid access exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.