It is the first time the Pope officially mentions Israel's actions in the war against Hamas in connection with expressions like "genocide". The 87-year-old Francis has previously referred to what is happening in the region as "terrorism" after meeting both Palestinians and Israelis who have been taken hostage.
In a book based on interviews with the Pope, to be released on Tuesday, he says:
"According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the character of genocide. This should be thoroughly investigated to determine whether it corresponds to the technical definition formulated by lawyers and international organizations."
It is the Italian newspaper La Stampa that has published excerpts from the book.
In the book, the Pope also talks about Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine as an "open wound".
