In a new book, Pope Francis called for an investigation into whether Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza constitutes a genocide, sparking intense debate about the war — and also raising questions about the tangible impact that papal statements have on Catholics and global politics.

It’s the first time that Pope Francis has openly urged for an investigation of genocide allegations over Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.

Pope Francis has said that allegations of a genocide in Gaza should be “carefully investigated” marking some of his strongest criticism yet of Israel’s war with Hamas.