Pope Leo Confronts Netanyahu Over Gaza Church Bloodshed

DDM News

In the wake of a deadly Israeli airstrike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, Pope Leo XIV held a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for an immediate ceasefire and protection of all religious sites.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the conversation took place on Friday morning from the Pope’s residence at Castel Gandolfo.

According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father expressed grave concern over the attack that struck the only Catholic church in Gaza, killing three individuals and injuring ten others, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

“This morning, in his residence at Castel Gandolfo, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, following yesterday’s (Thursday’s) military attack by the Israeli army that struck the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza,” the press statement said.

The Vatican confirmed that the Pope reiterated his urgent appeal for a renewed push for negotiations, a complete ceasefire, and an end to the hostilities that continue to devastate both Gaza and Israel.

The Holy Father stressed the tragic humanitarian toll in Gaza, highlighting the immense suffering of children, the elderly, and the sick, all of whom he said were “paying an agonising price” for the continued violence.

Pope Leo XIV also reaffirmed the universal obligation to protect religious sites and safeguard the lives of worshippers, regardless of faith or nationality.

“The Holy Father reiterated the urgent need to protect places of worship and, especially, the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel,” the Vatican added.

The Holy Family Church, the only remaining Catholic place of worship in Gaza, was reportedly hit by Israeli artillery on Thursday morning.

The strike left three people dead and at least ten others injured.

The Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, responding to the incident, issued a separate appeal to world leaders, urging them “to raise their voices and do all that is necessary to stop this human and moral tragedy.”

International observers and human rights groups have condemned the attack, citing the increased risk to non-combatants and religious minorities in war-torn regions.

As the war rages on, Pope Leo XIV’s call for a ceasefire adds to the mounting global pressure on Israeli authorities to scale back military operations and explore diplomatic solutions.

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