Pope Leo XIV has expressed heartbreak following a deadly Israeli strike on the only Catholic church in Gaza. The attack, which hit the Holy Family Church in eastern Gaza City, killed three worshippers and injured several others.
The Vatican confirmed the strike occurred Thursday, July 17, morning and described it as a “military attack.”
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the church had been serving as a safe haven for Christians amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In a statement delivered via telegram, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said Pope Leo XIV was “deeply saddened.”
He added that the Pope is praying for the souls of the deceased and for the healing of those injured in the attack.
The three victims were named as Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, and Najwa Abu Dawood. Their deaths have added to the rising number of civilian casualties in the region.
Several others inside the church were reportedly wounded, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
Father Romanelli, an Argentinian who has served Gaza’s Catholic community for nearly 30 years, is receiving treatment.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident in a brief statement, saying they were “aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church.”
The IDF added that the circumstances were “under review” and that they aim to avoid civilian harm and damage to religious sites.
Despite those claims, the Latin Patriarchate issued a strong condemnation, declaring: “Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians.”
The statement also called for an end to what it described as a “barbaric war.”
Pope Leo XIV used the occasion to once again call for an immediate ceasefire.
He urged world leaders to take swift action to stop the suffering in Gaza, especially among civilians and religious minorities.
The church, which is known for its connection to Pope Francis who once regularly phoned the parish during conflict has now been attacked twice during the Israel-Hamas war.
In December 2023, two women sheltering inside were shot dead by an Israeli sniper.
Before the current war began on October 7, Gaza’s Christian population numbered about 1,000. The Holy Family Church has been one of their few places of refuge.
Images shared online and verified by international media show the church building sustained serious damage, though the crucifix on the roof remains standing.
As global outrage grows, many fear the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening. The Pope’s call for peace echoes a growing chorus demanding an end to the violence that continues to claim innocent lives.