Pope calls for ceasefire after strike on Gaza church
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Pope Leo XIV reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Thursday, following an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church that killed two people and wounded several others, including the parish priest.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, who leads the enclave’s only Catholic parish, was among those injured in the attack.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is deeply pained to learn of the loss of life and the injuries caused by the military strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza,” read a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. “He assures the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, and the entire parish community of his spiritual closeness, entrusting the souls of the deceased to God’s loving mercy.”
The telegram continued: “The Pope renews his appeal for an immediate ceasefire and expresses his deep hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the region.”
An Israeli airstrike on the Holy Family Catholic Church compound in Gaza City on Thursday killed two women and injured several others, including the parish priest, according to church officials and medical sources.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the compound, which shelters hundreds of displaced civilians, was hit in the morning hours. “Two persons were killed as a result of an apparent strike by the Israeli army that hit the Holy Family compound this morning,” the patriarchate said in a statement.
Among the wounded was Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Argentine-born parish priest, who sustained minor injuries to his leg. The strike comes amid heightened tensions and repeated bombardments in northern Gaza.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and stating that “no military action can justify such an attitude.” She reiterated calls for the protection of civilians and places of worship.
GAZA
Parish priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli IVE being treated today after Israel hit Holy Family Catholic Church
Romanelli has long served as a key point of contact between Gaza’s Christian community and the Holy See.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it was aware of reports regarding damage to the church and associated casualties. “The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused,” it said in a statement. The incident is under investigation.
Please pray for Father Gabriel Romanelli and those sheltering in the Holy Family Church in Gaza after reports of a strike on the compound. We are seeking further information. pic.twitter.com/vYW6JlwPqM
Hospital staff at the nearby Al-Ahli facility said six people were in serious condition. The Holy Family Church, Gaza’s only Catholic parish, is located in the Tel al-Hawa district, close to repeated strikes in recent days.
The attack occurred as cease-fire negotiations continued in Doha, where U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian officials are attempting to mediate a 60-day truce. Talks have thus far yielded no breakthrough.
Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, more than 58,000 Palestinians and over 1,600 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed, according to local health authorities and Israeli officials. The targeting of religious institutions has drawn widespread international concern.
Colpita negli ultimi bombardamenti israeliani su Gaza la chiesa cattolica della Sacra Famiglia. Morte due donne, tra i feriti anche padre Gabriel Romanelli, il parroco argentino che era interlocutore quotidiano di Papa Francesco pic.twitter.com/TWlnxSTyaR
