Pope Leo issues statement following attack on Gaza Catholic church

In a telegram sent on behalf of Pope Leo by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, His Holiness expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and for the injuries caused by the attack. The full telegram reads:

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, and he assures the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness. In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, the Holy Father prays for the consolation of those who grieve and for the recovery of the injured. His Holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.

The Church of the Holy Family in Gaza was hit by the Israeli military on Thursday, in what Israel allegedly called “a shooting error.”

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem issued a statement confirming that several people were injured in the attack, including the pastor, Father Gabriele Romanelli.

The Catholic charity Caritas Jerusalem said the parish’s 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman receiving psychosocial support inside a Caritas tent in the church compound were killed in the attack.

Two others were seriously injured, and four more sustained lesser injuries, including the priest.

Holy Family Catholic Church is the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip. Located in Gaza City, it operates under the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius is situated nearby.

The parish is led by Latin-rite priests, often Rosminian missionaries, and includes a school and a convent run by the Missionaries of Charity.

Holy Family has provided shelter to both Christians and Muslims living in Gaza since the beginning of the Israel–Hamas conflict, with hundreds seeking refuge within its compound.

The Gaza Ministry of Health (Hamas-run) reports that over 58,380 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel–Hamas conflict to date.

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