Catholic institution in Gaza devastated, Pope mourns loss of two lives in church attack
**Breaking News: Tragedy at Gaza's Holy Family Church**
An airstrike on Gaza's Holy Family Catholic Church on July 17, 2025, has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to several others. The attack, which was part of a broader military operation in the Gaza Strip, claimed the lives of Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh and Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad.
Upon learning of the attack, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sadness and called for an immediate ceasefire. The pope conveyed his spiritual closeness to the affected community and offered prayers for the deceased and the injured. A telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the pope emphasized the need for dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the region.
The Israeli Defence Forces acknowledged awareness of the incident and stated that it was under investigation. They expressed regret for any damage to civilian infrastructure, including places of worship. The Israeli foreign ministry emphasized that they do not target churches or religious locations and promised to release findings from the investigation.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the attack, calling the ongoing military operations against civilians intolerable. The Catholic community globally has been supportive of the pope's stance, with many calling for peace and an end to violence in the region.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported on the attack and confirmed casualties. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, was among those injured. The community has announced funeral services for the deceased will take place at Gaza City's Saint Porphyrios Orthodox Church on Thursday afternoon.
The Holy Family Church, under the jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, serves the Latin-rite Catholics in Gaza. The incident has amplified international calls for peace and an end to the conflict in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with hopes that diplomatic efforts will lead to a ceasefire and lasting peace.
As the investigation continues, the world waits with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that brings peace to the region. The pope's call for dialogue and reconciliation resonates, as the global community stands united in support of the people of Gaza.
The Middle East, currently embroiled in war-and-conflicts, witnessed another tragedy in the Gaza Strip with the airstrike on Gaza's Holy Family Catholic Church that resulted in casualties. General news outlets worldwide have covered the incident and its ripple effect on the region's politics, with various leaders expressing their condolences. Crime-and-justice officers are investigating the attack, while the Israeli Defence Forces have expressed regret over any damages caused to civilian infrastructure.
