Pope Leo XIV has expressed his deep sadness and concern over the recent Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, the Holy Family Church, which resulted in the deaths of two people and injured several others.
The Pope’s telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, conveyed his spiritual closeness to the affected community and renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire. He emphasized his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region.
The attack on the church has sparked widespread condemnation, with many viewing it as a flagrant violation of human dignity and the sanctity of religious sites. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the attack, stating that targeting a holy site sheltering approximately 600 displaced persons, mostly children and 54 people with special needs, is unacceptable.
This incident is particularly significant given the church’s connection to Pope Francis, who used to call the church every night to check on parishioners and receive updates on the conflict. The Pope’s gesture was a daily reminder to the people of Gaza that they were not forgotten in his prayers to God for them and other necessary Diplomatic relations.
The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating the incident, claiming it never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm caused to uninvolved civilians. Meanwhile, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed her outrage, stating that attacks against the civilian population are unacceptable and cannot be justified by any military action.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread devastation, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting at least 58,573 deaths and 139,607 wounded. The Pope’s call for peace and dialogue highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, addressing its root causes and working towards a sustainable and just peace for all parties involved.