Pope Francis: Wants Investigation into Genocide in Gaza.

Popes had more authority than what they do today. In medieval times, the Pope could call a crusade and it would happen. Catholic Christian nations would heed the call and journey to the Middle East and battle Islamic forces. They were called 'The Crusades' and still have repercussions in the Middle East and the Christian church.

The Pope today does not have the power to do this today. Even if he did, it's doubtful, Catholic Christian nations or any Christian nation would heed it. Why because nations don't don't go to war any more over religious issues at least in the West. Although groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State like to label any Western intervention as a crusade, that will not be the main reason for the intervention. That's not to say there will not be Christians in the armed forces from the West or even in their government. Most Western nations today are largely secular. That's why if the Pope or any Christian leader called for a crusade now it wouldn't happen today.

However, the Pope still has power as Head of State of the Vatican. The Vatican though a small nation in Rome, still holds sway over thousands of Catholic Christians across the world. The Pope is a religious leader who leads a nation. Like any nation, the Vatican City State acts like any other nation at home and abroad. It has embassies all around the world with cardinals acting as diplomats. The Vatican even has armed forces in the Swiss Guards, an elite group wearing uniforms designed by Leonard Da Vinci. Of course, they have modern uniforms just like any modern armed forces.

The Vatican has soft power both as a theocracy and as a church. The Pope can still make decisions and hold views on things. As to whether those beyond the Catholic church or even those within the Vatican listen is another matter. Of course, at a Vatican government level, the Pope will direct and suggest policies on many levels.

On that note, the Pope has called for an investigation into genocide in Gaza. 'La Stampa' a well-known Italian newspaper has published excerpts from a book by the Pope. The book says Israel according to some experts has committed genocide in Gaza.

The UN reckons and these statements have been verified that 70% of Gazans killed in the war are women and children. The Hamas Health Ministry says 43,000 civilians have died in its conflict with Israel. Some most notably Israel would dispute those figures. Nonetheless, many civilians have died and the number of dead under the rubble is not known. Whether those Hamas figures also reveal the number of its fighters who have died in the fighting is not known. No doubt, many Hamas fighters have paid the ultimate price. Certainly, the leadership of Hamas has been taken out both in Gaza and elsewhere.

For its part, Israel says it calls on civilians to evacuate before it strikes. Maybe, that is the truth, in such an overcrowded area like Gaza civilians are going to be (and I hate this terminology) collateral damage. On the other hand, can Israel be believed on this issue? Israel itself has bombed and strafed the hell out of Gaza but Hamas remains as a potent force. Yes, it is not the force it was but according to the videos it releases, it is killing many IDF operatives and destroying their equipment.

So if the call of the Pope to launch an investigation is heeded who will do it? The church itself? The church will have the means to investigate to a certain extent. However, no team is allowed to enter Gaza on a fact-finding mission. The Israeli government forbids outsiders other than age agencies (and they are having a tough time of it look at the UN group banned by Israel) to be there.

Even if an investigation can be launched what will it achieve? The International Criminal Court has convicted Netanyahu as a war criminal but has anyone arrested him? This war despite all pleas, investigations, and threats will carry on. Why, because no one is coming to stop the war and Israel is protected by the most powerful nation the US.